Chelsea duo Pulisic and Mount on fire to prove they can form prolific partnership going forward
CHELSEA leapfrogged Manchester United into fourth spot with a convincing win over Premier League strugglers Watford. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring with a terrific finish before Willian made it two from the spot. Ross Barkley then added the gloss on a faultless night for Frank Lampard’s men when he bagged the third. The victory was […]
CHELSEA leapfrogged Manchester United into fourth spot with a convincing win over Premier League strugglers Watford.
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring with a terrific finish before Willian made it two from the spot.
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The victory was crucial in Chelsea’s charge for the Champions League especially after Manchester United and Leicester won earlier in the day.
Here, SunSport’s Richard Forrester gives his Chelsea player ratings.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7/10
Was a bystander until he was finally forced into a save in the 74th minute.
His big moment came in the 80th minute when he denied Danny Welbeck with a terrific stop down low.
That could have changed the course of the contest had the Spaniard failed to keep it out.
Reece James – 7
The future right-back at Chelsea proved he’s up to the task although was barely troubled.
Was drafted in by Lampard after Chelsea’s horror show at West Ham and should have done enough to keep his place in defence.
Whipped in a stunning ball for Loftus-Cheek who missed his header.
Kurt Zouma – 6
Had little to do in defence but coped well when called upon after being restored to the starting XI.
Was sloppy in possession at times and will have tougher tests as Chelsea maintain their assault on a Champions League finish.
Andreas Christensen – 7
His selection over Antonio Rudiger, who was dropped, raised eyebrows – especially against the physicality of Troy Deeney.
But he dealt with the bruising striker and kept possession well when picking out his man.
Bailed out Azpilicueta and Kurt Zouma on occasions in the second half when Watford looked threatening.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Had to go up against Ismail Sarr who tore apart Liverpool at times but kept the rapid winger quiet.
Sarr did get behind him once in the second half but was covered by team-mate Andreas Christensen.
Could have contributed more in attacking phases.
N’Golo Kante – 7
Did his job perfectly, mopping up Watford’s rare attacks although was untroubled for large periods of the game.
Mason Mount – 9
Moved the ball quickly around midfield and always looked for the forward pass.
Starting to forge a really solid partnership with Pulisic with the pair combining to trouble the Watford’s defence.
Was key in setting up the move for Chelsea’s first goal.
Ross Barkley – 8
Dictated the game at times and deserved his goal at the death.
Showed his creativity by assisting Giroud’s goal when he played a pin-point pass through Watford’s defence.
Competition in Chelsea’s midfield is rife but Barkley did himself no harm to his first team chances with another consistent performance.
Christian Pulisic – 9
Seems to be getting better by the game and showed just how confident he is with numerous tricks and flicks.
Used his blistering pace and sharpness to win the penalty at the end of the first half.
Often got in-behind the Watford full-back and continously caused havoc by making darting runs into the box.
Willian – 8
Chelsea must do everything in their power to keep him at the club for another year.
Ran Watford ragged down the right side and never looked like missing from the penalty spot.
He’s full of confidence scoring his sixth goal in his last seven match.
Olivier Giroud – 8
Took his goal brilliantly by burying his strike in the bottom corner on the angle.
Should have had two if it wasn’t for an excellent Ben Foster save. Continues to show why he’s favoured over Tammy Abraham.
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Substitutes – Ruben Roftus-Cheek – 6
Missed a guilt-edge opportunity to score with a header at the back post.
Needs more minutes and games to get back to his rest and shake off the rustiness.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6
Tried to impress in the 15 minutes he had on the pitch by making darting runs at the Watford defence.
Is going to struggle to force his way into the side next season when Ziyech joins.
Tammy Abraham – 5
Again, didn’t have much time to impress and is likely to start on the bench in their next outing with Giroud hitting the target again.