Kepa Arrizabalaga
It had nothing to do in terms of saves in the first half, but he was in command vocally and went through the first 45 minutes unscathed.
His first save came in the 74th minute with a shot from a distance, and after that he was a little busier. I went down well to save Danny Welbeck. 7 7
Reece James
Slow to get going, but he grew up in the game with some good crossovers that just missed but almost got to Giroud’s head.
He didn’t advance that far in the second half and was a little trapped. He couldn’t get through their crossings, but defensively he was pretty solid at all times. 7 7
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Kurt Zouma
An excellent first half, taking control of Troy Deeney and standing up to the challenge brilliantly. Just what Chelsea needed after the West Ham game.
Just a pass from an out of place pass, but other than that it was exceptional. Really the performance the Blues needed and he commanded the back. 9
Andreas Christensen
Much better in the first half, really controlling the defense and picking up the second balls. However, it was also strong in the air when requested.
He handled any pressure well and moved the ball well too. Only a good shot for the Hornets came from his side, but a decent performance. 8
César Azpilicueta
He kept Ismaila Sarr very quiet in the first half, with the Watford man as the team’s biggest threat. It didn’t give much in an attack sense, but defensively it was very solid.
More adventurous in the second half, working the flank well but also keeping an eye on his man, who made nothing happen. 7 7
N’Golo Kante
Dominating the center of the park, winning the ball comfortably on several occasions and letting those in front of him be the creative contributions.
The same in the second half, and it helped dominate half the park, as the Hornets had no control over the game. However, the concern that he would get hurt. 8
Ross Barkley
A lovely ball for Giroud’s goal and he looked really strong and on top of his game. Good move with Mount and the pair worked well to provide attack intent.
The same in the second half too. I saw a lot of the ball and it seemed to be creative for the Blues on the counter and they bonded well. 9
Mason Mount
The actual heartbeat in the middle of the park and his energy set the pace for what the Blues were trying to do. Moving the ball faster facilitated Watford’s decomposition.
There was also a really intricate game in the second half and he really made sure the Blues were in a good position on the attack. 8
Willian
Another penalty for the Brazilian and a very good performance on the wing. He moved the ball well and was impressive on the wing.
Even more influential in the second half and created opportunities, but failed to have quality in the last third. He forced Ben Foster to a good stop. 8
Christian Pulisic
It started with real brilliance once again, being a threat and a good bond with Giroud. He won the penalty kick again and was a terror to the Hornets defense.
He took another shot early in the half, but got up and seemed to be really positive on the ball again. He is going to be a massive player for the Blues in the future. 9
Olivier Giroud
An excellent ending to your goal, seeing Dawson’s slip and coming home. Great performance on top, which treats the physical side of the game well.
He also brought those around him and really impressed me in the initial XI. 8
(Image: (Photo by Darren Walsh / Chelsea FC via Getty Images))
Substitutes
Billy Gilmour (by Kante 78 ‘)
He went in and helped see the victory. 6 6
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (at Mount 75 ‘)
I had a good opportunity to score, but he put the head on wide. 6 6
Callum Hudson-Odoi (by Willian 75 ‘)
He struggled to get too much into the game. 5 5
Tammy Abraham (by Giroud 75 ‘)
A really nice movie, but no chance to hold on. 5 5
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