Chelsea vs. Watford: Winners and Losers from Premier League
Chelsea’s first official game under the stewardship of Guus Hiddink was a highly entertaining 2-2 draw with Watford on Boxing Day.
Diego Costa put the hosts ahead against the run of play, but Troy Deeney equalised from the spot after a Nemanja Matic handball. Odion Ighalo then fired home via a wicked deflection to put the Hornets ahead, forcing Costa to strike again to level things up.
Here, B/R picks its winners and losers from the game.
Winner: Diego Costa, Chelsea
1 of 5
The fiery, explosive qualities of Diego Costa were fully on show on Boxing Day as the Chelsea forward scored both goals in the 2-2 draw.
His runs were good and his movement exceptional at times; his drilled effort in the first half evoked confidence, while his second, neater effort suggested poise and serenity in front of goal.
Scampering down the channels he was a constant threat, drifting wide right and hitting the byline to test Watford defender Jose Holebas. Most of Chelsea’s good moves included Costa.
Loser: Oscar, Chelsea
2 of 5
What a comedown for Oscar, who, after last week’s all-star showing against Sunderland, will be extremely disappointed with his performance against Watford.
He managed a few nice passes, including one outside-of-the-boot cross for Diego Costa which Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes expertly saved, but his influence was generally lacking and his touch a little bit off.
A bad afternoon was crowned by a bad penalty miss, slipping as he drew his leg back to shoot and spooning a poor effort over the bar. There are better days ahead for the Brazilian.
Winner: Miguel Britos, Watford
3 of 5
Miguel Britos has been consistently impressive over the last month or so, overtaking Craig Cathcart as Watford’s most in-form defender, and his performance Saturday was once again excellent.
The Uruguayan is almost always in the right place at the right time to clear the danger, and it was his expert positioning that impressed the most at Stamford Bridge. Playing a left-sided centre-back role, his star showing helped the Hornets overcome the loss of the unavailable Nathan Ake, their first-choice left-back who is on loan from Chelsea.
Britos developed a reputation as a bit of a hot head in Serie A with Napoli, but he is well on the way to straightening the narrative out as a Premier League player. He and Cathcart are a rock-solid partnership and will be key to any top-half machinations Watford manager Quique Flores’ troops have.
Loser: Nemanja Matic, Chelsea
4 of 5
Nemanja Matic’s extremely strange decision to handball a Watford corner in his own area cost his team badly. It gave Troy Deeney the chance to haul the visitors level and turn the tide of the game.
Whether the mask he’s wearing fuzzes his eyesight or not can't be confirmed, but there really was no excuse for his blunder. Unmarked and under no pressure, the midfielder's outstretched hand brushed an aerial ball and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot.
His topsy-turvy season continues.
Winner: Willian, Chelsea
5 of 5
The one positive constant for Chelsea this year has been winger Willian. While Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Co. have all seen their form fluctuate or drop off violently, Willian has been consistently brilliant.
On Saturday, he was in full flow, dancing between challenges and delivering crisp passes. His assist for Costa’s second was absolutely jaw-dropping; he took three players out of the game with one ball, providing his team-mate with a one-on-one inside the box.
The one negative? His free-kicks, usually so good, were well off target Saturday.
