Costa Double Not Enough As Oscar Skies Late Pen

Willian’s right-wing corner was knocked on by a combination of John Terry’s head and Gary Cahill’s shoulder to Costa, who volleyed home from close range.

Chelsea had to come form behind to earn draw against Watford and Quique Sanchez Flores says their reaction was down to Guus Hiddink.

The expectation was Chelsea would respond to scoring by playing with greater confidence but, though Oscar soon threatened by shooting over at the near-post, Watford swiftly equalised.

Today’s referee is Andre Marriner.

Diego Costa scored twice for the hosts to cancel out goals from in-form duo Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo, although Chelsea also missed a late chance to grab all three points when Oscar blazed a penalty over the crossbar. “When he was coaching us we always reached our objectives of the top four and we played very well”.

But although his role is only due to be short-term, Hiddink is looking even further ahead and is considering Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ola Aina, Charly Musonda, Tammy Abraham and Jay DaSilva for first-team action starting as early as his first game.

After substitute Eden Hazard was brought down, Oscar was entrusted with the spot-kick but slipped at the vital moment and fired miles over the bar.

The deadlock was eventually broken just after the half hour mark with Diego Costa firing in his fourth goal of the season to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead.

“We had a penalty which we didn’t score, we were unlucky”.

Though much has been made of Chelsea’s attacking struggles, their defensive frailities have been as much a factor in their slide towards the relegation places. The reigning champions will continue to improve.

Chelsea have won every single one of their last six games against Watford, in a run that stretches all the way back to the turn of the millennium.

Hiddink added: “He focused himself on what he is good at and not wasting extra energy where he shouldn’t waste it. He showed it with two goals”. The Spaniard simply does not get enough credit for the job he is doing.

Hiddink had told the former Atletico Madrid striker to channel his emotions in the right way if Chelsea are to salvage something from the wreckage of this season. That tackle was among the worst of this season.