Watford vs. Chelsea: Score and Reaction from 2016 EPL Match

Chelsea completed a late comeback to win their second match of the 2016-17 Premier League season on Saturday, beating Watford 2-1.

The Blues dominated possession before half-time but couldn’t convert their dominance into chances. Watford took full advantage of their struggles in front of goal, opening the score through Etienne Capoue after the break. 

Substitute Michy Batshuayi equalised for the Blues with 10 minutes left to play, scoring his first Premier League goal, and Diego Costa added a late winner.

Pedro came into the starting XI to replace Willian out wide, and manager Antonio Conte confirmed before the match the Brazilian picked up an injury, per the Blues’ official Twitter account:

Conte on Willian absence: ‘He has a small problem with his calf so better not risked today. It’s a little problem.’ #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 20, 2016

The Hornets started the match with plenty of attacking intent, and Gary Cahill twice had to intervene in the opening minutes to deny Miguel Britos and Troy Deeney.

Chelsea prioritised possession early on, passing the ball around inside the Watford half, and Nenamja Matic and Costa did well to earn a corner that came to nothing. On the other side of the pitch, Jose Holebas easily beat Pedro and forced Thibaut Courtois into a first save.

Per Jack Rathborn of the Daily Mirror, Chelsea’s right flank struggled early as a whole:

Pedro ball-watching and Holebas found in behind, Ivanovic very narrow so far too, Courtois saves well from a narrow angle #WATCHE

— Jack Rathborn (@JackRathborn) August 20, 2016

Costa couldn’t get a shot off thanks to some fine defensive work from Sebastian Prodl, who impressed with his physicality early on. Costa remained a threat, however, and Holebas had to make a last-ditch clearance to deny him a great shooting chance.

The Blues continued to dominate the ball, but creativity in the final third was an issue. Oscar fired a low shot well outside of Watford’s goal, and Cesar Azpilicueta found some success with his smart runs for the byline.

Odion Ighalo perhaps should have opened the score after 24 minutes, after a lovely counter led by Nordin Amrabat led to a great shooting chance from close range. Somehow, the prolific forward fired the ball over the bar, and per ESPN FC’s Liam Twomey, he …

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