Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte Admits He Was Lucky against Watford, Praises Willian, Batshuayi and Zappacosta

Antonio Conte hailed the contributions of Davide Zappacosta, Willian and Michy Batshuayi as amazing after Chelsea came from behind to beat Watford 4-2 at Stamford Bridge. The Premier League champions appeared to be heading for a fourth consecutive game without a win in all competitions when Roberto Pereyra fired the visitors ahead four minutes into the second half.

But a brace from Batshuayi, who replaced Alvaro Morata on the hour mark, and a header from Cesar Azpilicueta ensured Chelsea got back to winning ways and Conte was quick to praise the performance of the Belgium international striker as well as his fellow substitutes Zappacosta and Willian. ‘Amazing,’ said Conte of his three replacements who changed the course of the game.

‘Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. every coach during a game it is important to understand the situation to change. ‘I am pleased for Michy, he scored two goals but his impact during the game was amazing. That was the same for Willian and Zappa. I was pleased for the performance of the players that changed the game. ‘When you play three games in a row and it is the same players you have to make an important decision. Sometimes it works or doesn’t. Today I was lucky.’