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A surprisingly and most welcomingly high-tempo affair between Chelsea and Watford so far, despite the early kick-off, with the Blues leading the visitors 1-0 thanks to some enterprising and eye-pleasing play and a tremendous finish by Pedro from a short corner. Nope Chelsea concede right on the stroke of half-time from a set piece. [FUN].
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In fairness, the corner should’ve never happened, but it’s just one of a series of questionable decisions from the refereeing crew, especially ol’ random-mode Jonny Moss in the middle.
Morata gets clattered on every flat pass be's playedbut good old Jon Moss will find a way to send Rüdiger off for some reason.
— Sébastien Chapuis (@SebC__) October 21, 2017
Watford have certainly not been shy, with Richarlison especially posing a clear and present danger every time he touches the ball. Sure, he’s fallen over comically a few times, dived a few more times, but he’s also gotten Rüdiger booked (a bit harshly, but that’s Moss for ya), and is forcing Azpilicueta to stay back much of the time.
Pedro has been fantastic for Chelsea, even beyond just his goal, putting in a breathless shift on the right side of the front three, winning balls in midfield, keying counters, and making us doubly question why he’s not been starting lately. But he’s here now, and it’s good.
After Pedro’s early goal, Fàbregas had a chance to double Chelsea’s lead inside the opening quarter of an hour. Unfortunately he chose a cheeky chipped finish over the giant of a man known as Heurelho Gomes, and he swatted it away. And so the match hangs in the dangerous balance of just a single-goal lead. Chelsea have had opportunities, as have the visitors. Next goal very important.
And that goal just happened. So now it’s 1-1, which is perhaps a fair reflection of the half, but is supremely annoying, with Chelsea conceding from a long-throw after failing to properly clear a free kick.
A good first half, ruined by a stupid moment at the end of the half. Poor giveaway to start the sequence from Bakayoko, another foul on Richarlison, poor clearance from set piece, and then shambles from the long throw. 45 minutes to win it.
COME ON, CHELSEA!