Chelsea arrived at Vicarage Road after a disappointing result in midweek to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.  Even though Watford hasn’t won a game in the league yet, this was not going to be an easy fixture for Chelsea. Lampard was well aware of the dangers of being complacent as he had mentioned it before the game. This message seemed to have resonated with Chelsea as they strolled into an early lead through Tammy Abraham after a wonderfully lofted through ball by Jorginho. Tammy received Jorginho’s first-time pass and delightfully lobbed the oncoming Ben Foster to put Chelsea ahead in the 5th minute. 

With Kovacic and Jorginho dominating the midfield, Chelsea had wonderful opportunities to extend their lead before half-time but Ben Foster was having the game of his life in the Watford net. Firstly, tipping over a wonderful Mason Mount pile-driver from 25 yards out onto the bar and then somehow getting fingertips onto Pulisic’s header which seemed destined for the far corner of the net. Somehow Chelsea headed into the break with a slender lead. 

As like the first half, Chelsea came out all guns blazing and took the game to Watford. After a few neat moves and some early pressure, Tammy Abraham peeled off the Watford defence and squared the ball across goal for Christian Pulisic to tap in from close range. Pulisic was unlucky not to add another goal to his tally after some fine footwork to create space in the box but was denied again by Ben Foster’s outstretched leg. 

What should have been a comfortable result then turned nervy thanks to a ridiculous call by VAR. Chelsea tried to playout from the back and got caught on the ball by Watford pressing high. Delofeou knicked the ball in front of Jorginho and collapsed at the faintest of touches. Most of the crowd and even the referee thought nothing of this and pointed for a goal-kick. However, somebody at Stockley Park thought there had been an “obvious refereeing error” and awarded a fascicle penalty decision which Watford gladly took. From the resulting penalty, Watford scored and then proceeded to put Chelsea under pressure for the remaining ten minutes. With the last action of the game, the Watford keeper, Ben Foster, came up for a free-kick and nearly headed in the equaliser but was denied by a superb one-handed save by Kepa. The whistle blew and Chelsea fans erupted as they have now seen their side win seven away games on the spin. The first time this feat has been achieved since 1989.

Chelsea now has to turn their attention to the Champions League where they face Ajax at home. A win at the bridge would see Chelsea in a very strong position to qualify from their group. A good run of form before the busy Christmas period is vital for Lampard as it will put them in the driving seat to finish in the top four after United, Arsenal and Spurs all dropped points.