VAR drama could not prevent Chelsea from returning to winning ways against Watford, as Frank Lampard’s men moved six points clear in the race for a top-four spot.
Ben Foster produced a heroic performance harking back to his younger days in the first half, making two world-class saves to deny Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount from putting the game beyond Watford’s reach.
Tammy Abraham had earlier given Chelsea the lead latching on to a delightful through ball from Jorginho to lob the onrushing Foster, and it looked to be a comprehensive return to form for the Blues as they stretched a nervy Watford backline into submission.
Not to be underestimated, however, the Hornets weathered the initial onslaught and began to push Chelsea back, pressing high and in numbers. Gerard Deulofeu was inches away from establishing parity but ultimately it was Mount who’d draw the final gasp from all inside Vicarage Road as his dipping effort was tipped onto the crossbar by Foster just before half-time.
Smooth and confident build-up play seemed to put Chelsea in a commanding position as Christian Pulisic tucked home Abraham’s pullback. A host of chances and more remarkable goalkeeping from Foster denied the Blues from making the game safe. It was then the turn of VAR to hand Watford a lifeline under utterly baffling circumstances. Deulofeu drew very little contact from Jorginho taking a further step before hurling himself to the ground.
It was a decision that confused everyone bar Mike Dean in the VAR office and drew comments from Lee Dixon that “if that’s a penalty the game is gone”. The subsequent penalty was dispatched by Deulofeu and made for a far more nervy finish to proceedings than was expected.
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