Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Eden Hazard scores twice as Chelsea beat Watford

The Belgian helped the Blues to all three points

Wednesday 26 December 2018 22:10 GMT
Comments
Premier League weekend round-up

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chelsea bounced back from defeat to Leicester with a hard-fought but impressive win at Watford.

Eden Hazard was the Blues' hero scoring twice to cancel out Roberto Pereyra's superb first-half equaliser and earn all three points and keep them in the hunt for the top four.

Here's how they did it:

Please allow a moment for the blog to load

GOAL! Watford 0-1 Chelsea (Hazard 45+1')

That's the hundred up for the Belgian. He is played in by Mateo Kovacic after a sloppy error from Capoue in midfield.

He then sits Foster down with a dummy before slotting home.

Kishan Vaghela26 December 2018 20:16

GOAL! Watford 1-1 Chelsea (Pererya 45+3')

That is some strike from the Argentinian, using his exquisite technical ability to direct a volley following a corner past Kepa.

Kishan Vaghela26 December 2018 20:18

Half Time: Watford 1-1 Chelsea

Kishan Vaghela26 December 2018 20:19

Well, what an end to a half that was!

It seemed to be substance over style for much of that half, with both sides forced into a first-half changes due to injuries.

Christian Kabasele was shown on a stretcher going off to hospital after colliding with a post when attempting to block Willian's shot, but it was the time added on because of that injury that saw all the action.

Eden Hazard brought up his 100th goal for Chelsea after a mistake from Capoue allowed Chelsea in, but fellow midfielder Pererya saved the Frenchman from too much embarrassment with a sumptuous volley to equalise.

Kishan Vaghela26 December 2018 20:23

One hundred goals from the no.10

Kishan Vaghela26 December 2018 20:27

A favourite of the Argentinian?

Kishan Vaghela26 December 2018 20:33

46 min: Watford 1-1 Chelsea

We're back underway at Vicarage Road. Which way will this one swing?

Kishan Vaghela26 December 2018 20:35

50 min: Watford 1-1 Chelsea

The second half has begun much like the first, with the visitors enjoying the lion share of possession. 

If it follows the pattern of the first half we're in for a treat aren't we?

Kishan Vaghela26 December 2018 20:39

53 min: Watford 1-1 Chelsea

The heat level has just gone up at Vicarage Road, with a couple of hefty challenges coming in from Watford players.

Kishan Vaghela26 December 2018 20:42

55 min: Watford 0-0 Chelsea

It's another clash between Deulofeu and David Luiz, and the former appeals for a penalty after being shoved down to the ground by the Brazilian.

Looks like a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge though and nothing is given.

Kishan Vaghela26 December 2018 20:44

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in