Spanish striker Diego Costa proved to be the hero for Chelsea as the Blues clinch a 2-1 comeback victory over Watford at Vicarage Road, while Liverpool suffered defeat at the hands of Burnley on Saturday.
In the early stages of the match, the Blues dominated in possession, while Watford struggled to keep a hold of the ball whenever they were in possession.
The Hornets got stronger as the first half went on, gaining confidence in attack, but could not carve out a lot of chances going forward.
Walter Mazzarri’s men their first real chance of the match in the 25th minute as midfielder Nordin Amrabat picked out striker Odion Ighalo in the Blues penalty area, however, the Nigerian striker failed to hit the target from close range.
Neither side looked threaten for the remainder of the first half as the score remained goalless heading into the break.
However, Watford finally opened the scoring in the 55th minute, as an unmarked Etienne Capoue’s volley at the far post put the home side ahead.
With Chelsea struggling for most of the second half, Conte decided to introduce Victor Moses and Michy Batshuayi in the 70th minute.
Belgium striker Batshuayi couldn’t have asked for a better start and made an instant impact as he leveled matters in the 80th minute when fired home from six-yards out, after Eden Hazard’s initial shot was saved by Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
However, a sublime pass from Cesc Fabregas put Costa through on goal, who raced clear on goal and calmly slotted the ball under Gomes to hand Chelsea the lead for the first time in the 87th minute.
The Blues went on to secure a 2-1 victory over Watford in Antonio Conte’s first away fixture for the season.
Meanwhile, in the other Premier League matches, newly-promoted side Burnley secured their first win on the club’s return to top flight after strikers Sam Vokes and Andre Gray produced superb first-half goals to give them a 2-0 Premier League win over Liverpool at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Shaun Maloney and Abel Hernandez struck late for Hull City as they claimed a 2-0 victory over Swansea City, ending the home side’s five-game unbeaten run at the Liberty Stadium.
While, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama grabbed a late goal, his first for the club, to earn Spurs a 1-0 victory over London rivals Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane.
Goals from Belgium forward Kevin Mirallas and midfielder Gareth Barry steered Everton to a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns after Gareth McAuley had given the hosts an early lead.
Image: Premier League website
