Having lost their last two league games, while being held to a draw by Roma in the Champions League in mid-week, the reigning champions were firmly under the spotlight coming in to the match against the in-form Hornets.
It looked like being another tough afternoon for Antonio Conte when Roberto Pereya put the visitors to Stamford Bridge ahead, only for the much maligned Batshuayi to grab a brace after replacing Alvaro Morata on 61 minutes.
Chelsea were out of the blocks quickly, with Morata nearly steering in the opener from a deep cross in from the right past Heurelho Gomes with his knee, only for the Brazilian to react quickly to make the save.
However, Gomes had no chance with Pedro’s opener on 12 minutes, a goal of the month contender, as he bent a shot from outside the penalty area beyond the keeper, kissing the post as it nestled in to the back of the net.
Cesc Fabregas should have doubled Chelsea’s lead four minutes later when given too much space in the Watford box but Gomes stood tall to prevent the Spaniard’s chip looping over him.
Having grown into the game, Watford eventual got back on level terms on the stroke of half time thanks to Abdoulaye Doucoure’s fourth goal of the season.
The Frenchman’s powerful low effort came through a crowd of bodies, leaving Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois with little time to react as the ball flew past him at the near post.
Richarlison then missed a golden opportunity to put Watford ahead four minutes after the restart having been picked out at the far post by Kiko Femnia, the Brazilian somehow missing the target from six yards when it was easier to score.
However, the second was just around the corner as a minute later Pereya was allowed the freedom of the Chelsea penalty area to slot home after Watford had cut the home side’s defence to ribbons.
With Chelsea reeling, Richarlison failed to make amends for his previous miss as he sent a free header wide of the target from close range.
Those misses then came back to haunt Watford when Batshuayi headed Chelsea level, getting in front of his marker to flick Pedro’s cross into the far corner.
Batshuayi was given two good chances to add to his tally and put Chelsea back ahead only to miss the target on each occasion.
However, it was Cesar Azpilicueta who proved to be the hero for the home side when Willian’s deflected cross was headed in via the shoulder of the Spaniard.
Chelsea made sure of the points in injury time when Batshuayi got his second, a mistake at the back gifting the Belgian a great chance as he held of Christian Kabasele to steer the ball past Gomes.
The win lifts the Blues above Watford into fourth place.
Source:.clubcall.
