Diego can improve, but he’s an important player
“I’m pleased for the substitutes that came off the bench. They showed great attitude and commitment, with Cesc Fabregas and Michy Batshuayi making a real impact.
“It shows a great spirit and a great commitment because I know when you don’t start the game, you aren’t happy.
“Cesc is working very hard in training to show me he deserves to play and I want to see this. When a player thinks of the team and not himself, it’s important and this is happening at Chelsea.”
Conte also defended Costa against claims, yet again, that he should have been sent off for appearing to dive to try and win a second-half penalty, when he had already been booked.
He added: “It’s better to focus on the game. For me, the first yellow is no good. I don’t accept the idea for a second yellow card for a dive, but he does have to avoid the first.
“But Diego is working very hard. Like all players I think he can improve, but he’s an improtant player for us.” The victory means Conte is one-up on Italian Walter Mazzarri, the Watford coach he fell out with when they were managers of Juventus and Napoli, respectively.
But it certainly doesn’t mean Chelsea, fourth in the Premier League table, are the finished article.
At times, they were one-paced and lacking in attacking ideas, with Oscar and Pedro particularly poor.
In fact, in a forgettable first half, it was Watford who provided the only moments of quality, not Chelsea.
The power, pace and energy of winger Nordin Amrabat caused the Blues all kinds of problems, while Adlene Guedioura pulled the strings in midfield. Jose Holebas almost put Watford ahead after only seven minutes, forcing Thibaut Courtois into a fine save, and then Odion Ighalo just failed to get the finishing touch to an Ambrabat cross, following a typically robust run from the Moroccan.
The home side eventually got the goal they deserved when Guedioura’s first-time cross fell to former Spurs star Capoue on the left of the area in the 53rd minute – and he rifled a stunning left-foot shot high into the net.
It was only then that Conte responded by bringing on all three of his substitutes – and things began to change.
The tactic reaped dividends when Hazard’s long-range shot was needlessly spilled by Heurelho Gomes and Batshuayi, who also hit the bar in the last minute, snaffled up the rebound from close range.
It was the Belgian’s first goal for Chelsea since a £33million move from Marseille. Chelsea then grabbed an unlikely winner when Fabregas, left on the bench for two games a row, threaded through a pass that sent Costa clean through. As expected, the Spanish international made no mistake.
Mazzarri, who saw Capoue hobble off late on, could not hide his disappointment.
“I am happy with how we played for 70-80 minutes because we played very well, but I am not happy with the result,” he said.