Chelsea ties Watford in Hiddink’s return

Chelsea were handed a further blow when Costa was shown a yellow card for late tackle on Craig Cathcart in the closing stages, ruling him out of their next match against Manchester United. “Of course we were in a hard moment in that half when Watford scored a second goal but we kept going, we kept fighting and then we scored”.

John Terry’s header deflected off Cahill and fell kindly for Costa, who lashed a clinical volley into the top corner.

The players may have been liberated by the Portuguese’s absence from the touchline against Sunderland last time out, but their impressive display then was down to the poor quality of the opposition as much as anything else.

In central midfield, Hiddink started with Matic and Cesc Fabregas, but the Spaniard was hauled off at half-time after a poor display.

Suitably encouraged, Chelsea began to attack with gusto, but Oscar shot over the bar after good work from Branislav Ivanovic and they then conceded an equaliser in freaky fashion.

Hiddink took charge of his first game since being installed as Chelsea interim manager, overseeing a frustrating 2-2 draw against Watford at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Just seven days earlier Spain striker Costa was booed by Blues fans angry at the performances which had resulted in Jose Mourinho’s sacking.

“Generally, I set targets”.

United like Chelsea, are under pressure, having lost three straight Premier League games now.

“United were first, second, and they’re now in a hard period – but they have to react for themselves”.

Asked if the fightback might not have occurred under former boss Mourinho, Hiddink was diplomatic. “I think our game was good, we just had bad luck with those two goals”, he said.

They also face runaway French league leaders Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and have got League One Scunthorpe United in the FA Cup.

They keep their 15th position in the table with the Dutchman admitting that a Top Four finish is hard to achieve. “When he was in Holland he was one of the star players, at a very young age”.

Guus Hiddink has challenged Eden Hazard to rediscover his “ego” to become a key player at Chelsea again.

“It’s now up to the team to show, and take the initiative to get the crowd back”.

Watford continued to look unsafe after the interval and moved ahead in the 56th minute, Odion Ighalo setting a new club record by scoring in the fifth successive Premier League match.