A dominant display at home against Watford FC propelled the Blues back into fourth place in the Premier League table. The convincing 3-0 victory was a major relief for Frank Lampard’s side as they hope to seal a Champions League berth for next season.
Chelsea FC needed a win to regain some form with the Premier League season nearing its end. The Blues had shockingly lost 3-2 to West Ham United last week and a win against relegation-battling Watford FC was indeed an easy task to achieve.
The hosts went ahead when Olivier Giroud scored for the Blues in the 28th minute with a deft finish. The French international was given a rare start ahead of Tammy Abraham by Lampard and the veteran striker made the most it. The goal was Giroud’s fourth in his last seven Premier League games.
As the game’s first half neared its conclusion, the in-form Willian converted a spot-kick with ease to double the lead for Chelsea FC. After Christian Pulisic had been fouled in the penalty box at the end of a lively run, it fell upon Willian to score his third consecutive penalty in as many games.
The Blues started the second half with equal enthusiasm as the hosts looked set to pile more misery upon the helpless looking Watford FC. Pulisic was a wonderful presence on the field for Chelsea FC, with the American causing all sorts of trouble for the visitors.
Watford FC defender Adrian Mariappa was booked by the match referee as he brought down Pulisic who had been a menace to deal with on the left flank. A couple of chances fell to Giroud to add to his tally, however, the French striker was denied by the Hornets’ goalkeeper Ben Foster who was called to action in successive minutes.
Chelsea FC goalkeeper Kepa had been largely undisturbed throughout the majority of the match, barring getting his hands on a couple of long-distance efforts by the visitors. However, the Spaniard had to get his hand to a good effort by Danny Welback to prevent Watford FC from scoring.
Ross Barkley scored his first Premier League goal of the season with a brilliant finish into the top corner in the final seconds of the game. A win at Stamford Bridge will be a delight to the Blues fanbase who had been longing for their side to return to their winning ways.
Frank Lampard’s side leapfrogged Manchester United FC into fourth place in the Premier League standings, and trail third-placed Leicester City by only one point.
MATCH STATS
SCORE: 3-0
Possession: Chelsea FC- 72% Watford FC- 28%
Corners: Chelsea FC- 5 Watford FC- 3
Shots: Chelsea FC- 20 Watford FC- 7
Offsides: Chelsea FC- 1 Watford FC- 2
