Watford were denied a point at the home of the champions in dramatic fashion as Cesc Fabregas scored late on to condemn the Hornets to a 4-3 defeat.

John Terry’s 67th Chelsea goal opened the scoring before the Blues skipper’s poor header allowed Etienne Capoue to level moments later.

A driven effort from Cesar Azpilicueta and Michy Batshuayi’s tap in put Chelsea 3-1 up and apparently in control of proceedings.

However, Daryl Janmaat hit back with a fine solo strike almost immediately to drag Watford back into the game before Stefano Okaka came from the bench to level.

It would be a Chelsea substitute who had the final say, though, when Cesc Fabregas arrived unmarked at the edge of the box – a recurring theme throughout the night – to sweep home in the 88th minute.

Watford’s evening soured further in the second minute of added time when Sebastian Prodl saw red for a second bookable offence after a foul on Pedro.

Here’s how the Hornets rated on an eventful night at the home of the Champions.

Heurelho Gomes – 6

Watford Observer:

Captain for the night and could do little about Chelsea’s first three goals. Quick off his line to deny Eden Hazrad when through on goal.

Made some good saves in the second half, but could have done better with the Chelsea winner as he was slow to react to the placed effort.

Nordin Amrabat – 5.5

Right wing-back role doesn’t look to suit the Moroccan and he was suspect both in attack and defence. Frequently picked out in space but lacked the drive the take Watford forward.

Adrian Mariappa – 6

Continuing to perform well in the centre of the Watford defence after injuries elsewhere saw him return to the fold.

Chelsea’s non-stop movement in attack was always likely to cause him an issue, but he coped well enough.

Sebastian Prodl – 6

Watford Observer:

Made three excellent tackles in the early stages, in particular when denying Batshuayi with the score at 0-0. Solid presence at the back throughout.

The most convincing of Watford’s defenders on the night but blotted his copybook considerably with a late red card.

Jose Holebas – 5

Booked inside four minutes as he struggled to deal with the pace of Willian, who gave the Watford man a torrid time early on.

Gave the ball away with 21 minutes on the clock and was fortunate Batshuyi’s effort was brilliantly blocked by Prodl.

Failed to learn his lesson and did the same in the second half.

Daryl Janmaat – 7

Got forward to good effect and it was the Dutchman’s cross which led to Capoue’s goal. Took his second half goal with superb composure.

Tom Cleverley – 5.5

Back in the side after missing the trip to Everton due to his loan deal and struggled to match his usual standard, giving the ball away on a number of occasions.

Valon Behrami – 5.5

Watford Observer:

Missed one decent chance in the second half and failed to provide adequate cover in the centre of the park as Chelsea enjoyed plenty of space in midfield.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6.5

Used the ball well and his long passes regularly opened up space for Nordin Amrabat on the right-wing, which the Moroccan failed to exploit.

Etienne Capoue – 6 (replaced by Deeney 90)

Did well to anticipate Terry’s wayward header and draw the Hornets level with a looping header. Profligate in possession at times and didn’t influence the game for long enough periods.

M’Baye Niang – 5 (replaced by Okaka 71)

Deployed as a lone striker and struggled to get into the game. Watford failed to exploit the Frenchman’s pace and he rarely got the chance to test the legs of an ageing Terry. Also offered little in the way of hold up play.

SUBS

Stefano Okaka – 7

Watford Observer:

Took his goal well and provided a much more of a focal point to the Watford attack after replacing the ineffectual M’Baye Niang.

Troy Deeney – N/A

Played a matter of minutes at the death.