Date: 23rd October 2017 at 10:49pm
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Michy’s heroics secured a vital three points for the Premier League champions.

In a game that potentially – and perhaps should have – resulted in a Watford victory, the Blues demonstrated sufficient character and adequate perseverance to secure a remarkable comeback.

Having equalised in contentious fashion before the break, the Hornets began the second half in a remorseless fashion, looking to pressurise our palpable defensive fragility. This diligence eventually materialised in a Watford lead, as Robert Pereyra scored Watford’s second goal.

Thankfully, Richarlison was in a somewhat wasteful mood in front of goal. Otherwise, Marco Silva’s men could have inflicted an embarrassingly heavy defeat on the Blues which would have empowered the media with further ammunition regarding Conte’s future at Chelsea.

However, a stunning brace from Batshuayi and a Cesar Azpilicueta were enough to certify all three points for the Blues in a terrific 4-2 victory.

Here’s what we’ve learnt!

  • Michy’s talents are best utilised as a substitute

The Belgian’s goal-scoring record this season is utterly prolific. He has scored a goal every 71.3 minutes – one of the most proficient ratios in the division. While he often struggles to rival Morata’s build-up play, the 24-year-old was clinically ruthless on Saturday.

  • Defensive fragility persists

While the Blues eventually secured an exceedingly decisive victory, our defensive inadequacies were present for all to witness and had Watford been more precise in front of goal; our issues could have been compounded.  It was our third successive league game in which we’ve failed to keep a clean sheet.

  • Morata wasn’t quite right

Perhaps the Spaniard’s return from injury has been rushed somewhat as he failed to impose himself on the game as he usually does. Watford evidently targeted the 25-year-old. He was the subject of continuous fouling, yet his movement wasn’t as sharp or as refined as we’ve become accustomed to watching.

  • Fabregas and Bakayoko failed to control the midfield

The pair are undeniably talented and has often been the subject of unwarranted blame this season, yet as a collective, they seem to struggle in commanding the midfield. As was evident against Palace, Watford broke through the midfield with consummate ease further endangering an already frail defence.

  • A significant win

Failure to secure three points would have seen Antonio Conte receive considerable scrutiny from the press – something that could potentially hinder squad harmony and our chances of silverware. The manner in which we won was tangible proof that the players support Antonio.

What are your thoughts? Let us know!

 

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