LONDON: Cesar Azpilicueta admitted that Chelsea had to beat Watford or risk their Premier League title defence unraveling before it had even got going.
An Azpilicueta header along with a brace from Michy Batshuayi allowed the Blues to come back from 2-1 down at Stamford Bridge. It was not pretty and far from composed, but having seen Pedro’s opener — a fantastic shot from 30 yards — canceled out by Abdoulaye Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra strikes Chelsea will not care.
The champions went into the match on the back to two defeats — the first to the all-conquering Manchester City side, the second, more surprisingly, to bottom-of-the-table Crystal Palace, who up until that point were without a point and a goal. And while it might be going too far to describe it as a crisis, another defeat would have meant the Blues would have lost three in a row for only the second time since 1999.
But somehow Antonio Conte’s men clawed victory from the jaws of defeat and Azpilicueta said that it could be one of the most important wins of the season.
“We were three games without winning (in the Premier League and Europe) so it was important to get back to winning ways,” the Spanish defender said.
“It’s a long season so we had to step up. There are a lot of ups and downs, we had had tough period but we have made that first step and we have to go on from here.”
While getting the three points is ultimately all that counts, there were moments in the match that will worry Chelsea boss Conte. Going into the break at 1-1, the hosts looked comfortable. The first few minutes after half-time, however, showed them to be in disarray. From the 45th minute to the 70th Watford had seven shots to Chelsea’s one, and on top of Pereyra’s strike the visitors could have easily gone two goals ahead, not least when Richarlison headed wide from close range.
But Conte threw on Batshuayi who leveled things with a bullet header, Azpilicueta then heading Chelsea in front before Batshuayi made certain of the three points.
Conte praised the team for the grit and determination they showed, alluding to his side’s poor run of form.
“(When we went behind) our confidence was low. But my players showed me the will to fight, to change the situation and the final result was good,” the Italian said.
“The win was very important, we played against a good team in form and ahead of us in the table.
“To come back is not simple. We played three games in seven days but we showed good form.”
Blues bounce back to leave Conte content after horror run
Blues bounce back to leave Conte content after horror run
