Olivier Giroud gave Chelsea the lead in controversial fashion as the Blues played on following Gary Cahill’s injury. Christian Pulisic doubled Chelsea’s lead with a fine left-footed finish, before Zaha pulled one back in spectacular fashion.
Shortly after coming on, Tammy Abraham scored his first league goal since January, but that momentum didn’t last as Christian Benteke scored a tap in just few minutes later to make it 3-2.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a late save in the game and Kurt Zouma’s last ditch sliding tackle on Christian Benteke was a major highlight for the Blues.
Frank Lampard said after the game that his team should have done better and hailed Kepa and Zouma for saving the team.
“We should have had the game under much more control at that point,” said Lampard.
“At 2-0 we should have carried on and controlled the game better, and then at 3-2 we had a lot of chances in the second half, chances to finish it off – slightly wrong decisions maybe on the final pass or shot and that invites pressure. Kepa made a great save and Kurt Zouma made a great tackle and in those last moments it was nerve-wracking for us.
“The finger-tip save by Kepa was huge and that is what he is there for so credit to him for that one. To be a top team you need keepers making those type of saves for you to pull you through.
“It was fantastic from Kurt and at Watford he played a really great game as well. Imposing, great defending, good on the ball and that is everything I want. Defenders won’t always get credit for those moments, the goalscorers get those, but his was a tackle that saved us two points. I am really pleased with him.”