Chelsea player ratings: Kovacic, Willian, and Abraham shine but Jorginho concedes late penalty after stunning assist
CHELSEA made sure their 80 minutes of dominant and free-flowing display of football was rewarded with three points after withstanding a late Watford fightback.
Goals from Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic looked to have capped off another comfortable win on the road for Frank Lampard's men.
But Jorginho, who recorded an assist of the season contender for the Blues first, gave the Hornets late hope after bringing down Gerard Deulofeu, who converted from the spot.
As Chelsea held on for the win, here's how Jack Figg rated their performances.
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 7
Quiet game for the Spanish stopper but he showed smart footwork in tight areas and was off his line quickly at times. Made a last-ditch save to prevent keeper Ben Foster from equalising with a diving header.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 6
Another controlled performance by the Blues skipper amid calls to replace him with rising star Reece James.
Fikayo Tomori - 6
Composed and relaxed at the back, wasn’t troubled too much by any Hornets forwards. Made an important clearance from a cross to snuff out a late Watford chance.
Kurt Zouma - 6
Made a great block to deny Gray an equaliser putting his body in front of the effort. Made another late challenge to prevent Doucoure from getting a shot off.
Emerson - 6
Returning from injury replacing Marcos Alonso, the left-back was less eager to get forward than usual.
Mateo Kovacic - 8
Made some driving runs and was equally comfortable on the ball. Produced a great run at the heart of Watford’s defence and played in Pulisic, who hit the post. Overall brilliant display from the midfielder who set up several of Chelsea's attacks.
Jorginho - 7
Excellent pass to set Abraham through on goal for the opening goal. Covered at the back well when needed dropping back but gave away a contentious penalty late on ruining a positive performance.
Mason Mount - 6
Went mighty close with a superb strike that was tipped onto the bar by Foster. Forced another top save from the Watford stopper but could have converted with his left foot inside the box.
Willian - 8
Drove with the ball to play Abraham in for Chelsea’s second. Looked dangerous from the right hand side throughout. The Brazilian will continue to win fans over with performances like this.
Christian Pulisic - 7
Made a great run to get on the end of Abraham’s cross and the American star was on hand to tap home. Came close with a second after Kovacic put him through but the winger hit the post.
Tammy Abraham - 8
Expert finish to loop the ball over Foster controlling the height perfectly after a smart run to go through on goal. Drifted out wide and played a great ball into the box for Pulisic to grab the second goal.
SUBS
Callum Hudson-Odoi - 6
Replaced scorer Pulisic with eight miniutes to make an impact. Got on the ball a couple of times but never troubled.
Michy Batshuayi - 5
Subbed on for Abraham on 88 minutes and immediately found himself through on goal but dragged it onto his left foot and saw his chance blocked.
Reece James - 5
Came on for Willian with one minute of injury time left and was stuck straight at the back to defend a throw in.
