Super sub Michy Batshuayi saves Antonio Conte as same old Chelsea problems continue

Marcos Alonso remarked earlier this week that Chelsea could not afford to lose another match in the Premier League this season. After an hour of Saturday’s clash against Watford, it felt like his ominous prediction might be signalling the end of their title defence even at this early stage of the season.

Watford had come from behind to take a deserved lead, but Chelsea showed that, despite their manager’s concerns over injuries and fatigue, they are not going to meekly roll over. Michy Batshuayi came off the bench to net an equaliser and then, with time running out, stalwart Cesar Azpilicueta headed his side back in front to spark wild celebrations from a visibly relieved Antonio Conte.

STAR MAN

In truth, Watford’s performance did not deserve to see them leave Stamford Bridge empty-handed, let alone having conceded four times. They put on a collective display full of work rate, hard running and discipline. Richarlison was a menace down the left, even if he ought to have put the game out of sight, while Abdoulaye Doucoure was an all-action presence in midfield. Kiko Femenia stood out though, keeping Chelsea’s left flank quiet while attacking relentlessly himself.

For Chelsea, credit must go to Pedro for providing a spark even when the rest of the Chelsea team looked off colour. His opening goal, an unsaveable screamer that went in off the woodwork, appeared to have set up an easy win, but after Watford responded it was the Spaniard’s pinpoint cross that started the recovery. He has now had a hand in more goals this year (21) than any of his teammates.

But the three points were delivered thanks to Conte subs. On another day, withdrawing record signing Alvaro Morata when behind might have prompted boos and confusion, but Batshuayi made a massive impact. He was more direct than the man he replaced, more active, and ultimately more decisive. Another addition, Willian, set up Azpilicueta’s goal in the 87^th minute. His squad may be small, but Conte’s fringe players can still have a big impact.

WHO DIDN’T IMPRESS?

All of Chelsea’s issues and failings this season were in evidence once again on Saturday, despite rustling up a victory from the jaws of defeat. Marco Silva intimated before the match that his Watford team would attack at Stamford Bridge, and that is exactly what they did. The concern for Conte will be how powerless his side were at times to wrestle control of the match away from Watford, and how open and exposed they were particularly on the break.

It was also a performance that owed much to Chelsea’s lack of squad depth, too. Conte said beforehand that he had ‘many injury doubts’ and several performances from his players were indicative of a lack of fitness. Tiemoue Bakayoko was frequently bullied in the middle of the pitch, leaving far too much space in front of the defence, misplaced numerous passes and was robbed of possession for the second goal.

Morata started brightly but was soon forced to the periphery of the contest, before being withdrawn after an hour. He managed just one shot on goal during that time. Yet again, Chelsea’s attacking play was too easily stifled, rarely creating clear-cut chances – save for an effort that Cesc Fabregas mysteriously tried to chip – and opening the scoring only thanks to a worldie. Their late rout should not paper over the cracks.

It is also starting to become clear why Antonio Conte was so keen to try and sign Juventus left-back Alex Sandro over the summer. Marcos Alonso – save for two goals against Tottenham – looks a shadow of the player that rampaged up the left flank so often last season. He offered nothing going forward against Watford and was fodder for the away side’s right flank. No wonder Conte name-checked him as one of the players still getting used to playing three times in a week.

WHAT DIDN’T SURPRISE US?

At this point, nothing should really surprise us about Watford and their enigmatic manager. They took the game to Chelsea in every facet of the match, almost playing with a swagger at times, until it fell apart late on. Central to that has been the coruscating Richarlison. If he can maintain his current form, Watford will have a very hard time keeping hold of him.

The Brazilian was already the most fouled player in the Premier League prior to the weekend, and he was taken out another six times at Stamford Bridge. He showed so much pace and trickery, with his profligacy the only asterisks. His superb assist means he has now scored three goals and created two more, all on the road – only Harry Kane has a better record on his travels.

He also feels representative of a broader shift in the Premier League among the division’s smaller clubs, and especially recently promoted clubs. In order to compete, they are having to be smarter and more effective in the transfer market – though the Pozzo family have always been at the forefront of recruitment, bringing Alexis Sanchez to Udinese over a decade ago.

Brighton snapped up Pascal Gross from Ingolstadt and Huddersfield signed Steve Mounie from Montpellier, both look like incredibly shrewd arrivals. Meanwhile, the teams lower down the table – the likes of West Ham, Stoke, Bournemouth and Palace – have a much narrower scope, their signings all roughly fitting the same mould and so often already being based in England. Watford are showing the way forward, even if they failed to hold on at the Bridge.