Young stars shine again as Chelsea survive late scare to move third

Chelsea survived a late scare but produced a dominant display against Watford to record a fourth consecutive victory win a 2-1 win.

The scoreline doesn’t tell the story of a game in which Chelsea missed a huge number of chances, with Ben Foster inspired in the Watford goal.

Chelsea opened the scoring in the fifth minute, with Tammy Abraham lifting the ball over the onrushing Foster after getting on the end of a delightful first-time pass from Jorginho.

The English striker could and probably should have doubled Chelsea’s lead as the ball fell fortunately for him in he box, but Foster did well to parry.

The shot-stopper was at it again from the resulting corner, with an expert fingertip save to push the ball wide after a great headed effor from Christian Pulisic.

Gerard Deulofeu came closest for Watford in the first half as he cut inside from the right but he smashed his shot just wide of the post.

Foster kept his side in it just before half time as he tipped Mason Mount’s superb dipping effort onto the crossbar.

Mount was again denied by the keeper early in the second half after the young Englishman was found in acres of space by Willian, but his shot was too close to Foster, who made a relatively simple stop.

Chelsea finally doubled their lead in the 55th minute after more excellent build up play.

Willian drove towards the Watford box before sliding it through for Abraham who turned provider as he crossed for Pulisic to tap in.

The American was denied a second moments later by more brilliance from Foster, who stuck a leg out to deny the tricky winger.

The chances kept coming for the Blues and Abraham will have been disappointed not to have added to his season tally, spurning two decent opportunities.

Deulofeu gave Watford late hope, after he was awarded a penalty by VAR in the 80th minute, which he converted himself.

The Hornets nearly equalised with the final action of the game as Foster nearly grabbed the headlines as he came up for the late free-kick, but his header was brilliantly saved by goalkeeping counterpart Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Chelsea survived to secure a deserved three points to move third in the Premier League.