Football
Liam Twomey, Chelsea correspondent 6y

Antonio Conte insists he's not feeling pressure after Chelsea beat Watford

LONDON -- Antonio Conte said he is determined to focus on the "positive aspects" of Chelsea's recent form after Michy Batshuayi came off the bench to score twice in a chaotic 4-2 win over Watford.

Chelsea trailed 2-1 early in the second half at Stamford Bridge after Pedro Rodriguez's spectacular opener was erased by goals either side of half-time from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra, and Richarlison missed two gilt-edged chances to put the visitors out of sight.

Conte decided to replace Alvaro Morata with Batshuayi on 73 minutes and the Belgian turned the match on its head, scoring twice either side of Cesar Azpilicueta's head to secure Chelsea only their second home Premier League win of the season.

"We showed good character, good spirit, we tried to fight and tried to win," he said. "I have to praise my players for this. It wasn't easy.

"When you are not used to losing one game, also two games in a row, I think it's not simple. The game was very tough against a good team in a good moment of form, a lot of confidence.

"I want also to see the positive aspects because in the last two games we scored seven goals. We conceded five goals but I think to score seven goals is important. This game was the third game in seven days.

"I think in the second half also we showed good physical condition because we pushed a lot until the end. We came back from 2-1 [down]. Now I think we have to recover very well and tomorrow is a day off and then to prepare a game against Everton in the Carabao Cup."

Batshuayi's contribution marked his first goals in the Premier League this season, and Conte added: "I'm pleased for Michy because he scored two goals but his impact during the game was also amazing. I think it was the same for Willian and [Davide] Zappacosta.

"I was pleased also for the performance of the players I changed. Sometimes when you play three games in a row with the same players it's important to make decisions. So sometimes these decisions work, sometimes they don't work. Today I was lucky."

Defeat to Watford would have been Chelsea's third consecutive Premier League defeat -- a run last endured by Jose Mourinho in November 2015, shortly before he was sacked for the second time by Roman Abramovich.

Conte insisted after the match that he never fears for his job, telling reporters: "I must be honest. I feel a lot of pressure but not this type of pressure if the club decide to sack me. Honestly I don't feel this pressure. I trust in my work. I try to keep everything for the club that I'm working for. I'm doing this for Chelsea.

"The pressure is I want to win for my players and to give satisfaction for my fans. I feel this type of pressure. Our fans, they show me and my players every game a lot of passion. They show they want to push us in every game. I feel this type of pressure, other pressure is not important for me. I don't feel because this is our job. When I go to my house I am happy because I know I am putting 150 percent for my club and my players are doing the same."

Watford registered 16 shots on goal at Stamford Bridge, only one fewer than Manchester City managed last month, and Conte hinted that a lack of time for tactical training may have played a role in Chelsea's defensive lapses this season.

"When you play every three days it's very difficult to work on tactical aspects and physical aspects and pay attention to every detail," he said. "Sometimes you have to play a game without training. [On Friday] I said we are working 70 per cent less than last season but it is normal. We have to try to find the solution to be more solid.

"We have to try find the way to recover the injured players very soon. But we scored eight goals in the last three games. The better thing is to stay more in the middle and between the two aspects [positive and negative] and try to improve your team."

Watford boss Marco Silva said: "It was a really unfair result. We were in control most of the time.

"We didn't create a lot in the first half but we controlled the match. In the second half, for 35 to 40 minutes, I saw one team playing.

"We had clear chances to finish the match at 3-1 but they achieved an unfair result. I think everyone saw this on the pitch."

The Hornets trailed 1-0 but goals either side of half-time from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra had them ahead, although they were left to rue a Richarlison miss. SIlva continued: "I'm proud of how we started the second half. Everyone's frustrated in the dressing room but we need to continue.

"Batshuayi and Willian made a big difference but it was fantastic organisation and work from our players."

On Richarlison's miss, the Portuguese added on Sky Sports: "He didn't score today but he will score in the next match. "We created the chance and the player got in the right place to score. Normally he scores and kills the match but that's football. I am sure in the future he'll score more goals."

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