Watford were cruelly denied at the death when two late goals snatched three points for Chelsea at Vicarage Road yesterday.

Etienne Capoue's 55th-minute strike was enough to give the Hornets a lead against Antonio Conte's side for most of the second half, and proved a just reward after a first-half they had by far the better of.

But Heurelho Gomes' mistake allowed Michy Batshuayi to level with 10 minutes remaining, and worse was to follow in the dying moments.

Diego Costa found space in behind the Watford defence to race through and net an 87th-minute winner, but Cesc Fabregas' assist, a delightful curling ball over the top, would have split far better back lines, and it was a top-class move to seal victory.

So how did the players get on against Conte's men?

Heurelho Gomes - 5

Did not have a huge amount to do, but a mix-up before the break could've been penalised as a pass-back with a harsher referee in charge. Had to do better with Hazard's daisycutter which he allowed to squirm away from him for Batshuayi to score.

Sebastian Prodl - 6

Alongside Craig Cathcart did get caught out by Diego Costa for the winner, but it was the only time Chelsea were allowed a run on goal all afternoon. A strong performance from the back three.

Craig Cathcart - 6

Same as above in many respects; marshalled the defence well, and kept Chelsea's central threat quiet until three late substitutes changed the game.

Watford Observer:

Britos holds off Chelsea's Eden Hazard. Picture: Action Images

Miguel Britos - 8

Did a real job on Diego Costa, who swapped sides for his late winner. Against the guile and wily nature of the Spaniard, he stood up to the test and was excellent.

Nordin Amrabat - 7

Put in a defensive shift against an extremely talented Hazard, and was rarely caught out by him. One excellent 50-yard run beyond Azpilicueta in the first half.

Watford Observer:

Capoue - who didn't score last season - celebrates his second in two. Picture: Action Images

Etienne Capoue - 8

Two games, two goals. Where has this come from? Took his strike superbly and gave Courtois little chance. Crucial part of a midfield which refused to be overrun.

Valon Behrami - 7

Slipped in behind his midfield team mates well and squeezed the lines between them and the defence. It said a lot that Eden Hazard's strike for the opener was the first time Chelsea had exploited the space between the two all afternoon.

Adlene Guedioura - 6

Didn't catch the eye a huge amount, but was tidy in the middle. Is not likely to become the number eight, or 10, which Watford will utilise going forward since Roberto Pereyra's arrival. Did deliver a delightful cross for the opener.

Jose Holebas - 7

Along with Amrabat, provided the majority of Watford's attacking impetus for the mostpart. Kept Pedro remarkedly quiet, to the point of having no influence on the first half whatsover.

Troy Deeney - 5

Anonymous. Looked off his game and let the match pass him by, had little involvement in Watford's attacking play.

Watford Observer:

Ighalo holds off Chelsea's N'Golo Kante. Picture: Action Images

Odion Ighalo - 7

Much more like it after a poor performance in Southampton. Saw a lot more of the ball and was useful with it, but not enough in the box, where he can do what he does best; bar one chance which looked a far worse miss than it was.

Substitutes

Abdoulaye Doucoure (for Capoue, 84) - N/A

Matej Vydra (for Guedioura, 88) - N/A

Juan Zuniga (for Holebas, 89) - N/A