Batshuayi late show gives under-pressure Conte some respite
MICHY BATSHUAYI came off the bench to score twice as Chelsea fought back from behind to win a six-goal thriller against Watford.
Chelsea were on the back foot for much of this contest at Stamford Bridge but two goals from Batshuayi, either side of an 87th-minute header from Cesar Azpilicueta, snatched the champions a muchneeded 4-2 victory.
For a while, Chelsea looked on course for a third straight Premier League loss when Abdoulaye Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra’s goals put Watford 2-1 up before Batshuayi and then Azpilicueta instigated the turnaround. Batshuayi added his second in stoppage time.
Chelsea also had the officials to thank for Pedro’s opener, a superb long-range hit, that came from a corner that should not have been given.
That will be of little significance to boss Antonio Conte whose relief was palpable when he celebrated Azpilicueta’s goal by diving in amongst the Chelsea fans. This was his team’s first victory in four matches in all competitions.
Afterwards, he said he is not oblivious to the speculation regarding his position, with owner Roman Abramovich known to be triggerhappy when it comes to his dugout incumbents.
‘I must be honest,’ said Conte. ‘I do feel a lot of pressure but not this type of pressure. If the club decides to sack me, well... I trust in my work. I try to give everything but I will never be worried about that kind of pressure.
‘The pressure that I feel is that I want to give satisfaction for our fans. I feel this type of pressure because the fans have shown me a lot of patience.’
Chelsea were flattered by the scoreline as Watford dominated for large spells and Marco Silva will rue his side’s wasteful finishing. Richarlison, in particular, squandered two excellent chances.
Chelsea’s victory means they leapfrog Watford in the table up to fourth.