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Olivier Giroud, Willian and Ross Barkley struck to sink Watford 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and limit Chelsea\u2019s fall from the Premier League\u2019s top four to less than five hours.<\/p>\nOlivier Giroud, Willian and Ross Barkley struck to sink Watford 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and limit Chelsea\u2019s fall from the Premier League\u2019s top four to less than five hours.<\/p>\n
France\u2019s World Cup-winning striker Giroud angled a fine effort for his third goal in five Premier League games, with the 33-year-old showing renewed sharpness.<\/p>\n
Brazil forward Willian tucked away another nerveless penalty: his third in as many league matches, after his spot-kicks in the 2-1 win over Manchester City and Wednesday\u2019s 3-2 loss at West Ham.<\/p>\n
Former Everton midfielder Barkley then capped another industrious performance with a smart strike in stoppage time.<\/p>\n
Chelsea\u2019s demoralizing midweek defeat by the Hammers, coupled with Manchester United thrashing Bournemouth 5-2 on Saturday afternoon had seen the Blues drop out of the league\u2019s top four for the first time since October.<\/p>\n
But Frank Lampard\u2019s men jumped straight back above United to reclaim fourth spot, with a commanding Saturday night victory in west London.<\/p>\n
Lampard had demanded atonement for Wednesday\u2019s shock loss at West Ham, and his focused Chelsea charges delivered against an admittedly-limited Watford outfit.<\/p>\n
Stamford Bridge has been awash for weeks with talk of a summer signings revolution, but here it was the old guard who came good for Lampard.<\/p>\n
Giroud recently signed a one-year contract extension, but he will face extra competition next term in the shape of \u00a353million RB Leipzig recruit and prolific Germany hitman Timo Werner.<\/p>\n
The 31-year-old Willian continues to hold out for three years on a new deal, whereas Chelsea only want to offer him two.<\/p>\n
But the 70-cap Brazil star now boasts 11 goals in all competitions this term, and three in two matches after his brace amid that galling loss at West Ham.<\/p>\n
Lampard has made no secret of his desire to retain Willian\u2019s services next term, and the well-liked winger has doubtless again boosted his chances of a new Blues contract.<\/p>\n
Kepa\u2019s awkward pass left the double-marked Andreas Christensen in hot water on the edge of his own box in an inauspicious start.<\/p>\n
The Dane rode out of trouble well enough and once the Blues settled they took control.<\/p>\n
Christian Pulisic again matched industry with invention, the 21-year-old again proving vital to Chelsea\u2019s attacking rhythm and shape.<\/p>\n
The United States forward slipped Giroud in on the inside left but the Frenchman could not stretch Ben Foster in the Watford goal.<\/p>\n
Mere minutes later Giroud pounced on the opportunity to make amends, drilling home from almost the same position.<\/p>\n
This time it was Barkley who slid Giroud through, with the 33-year-old making no mistake in leaving Foster with no chance.<\/p>\n
Watford\u2019s deep double-bank defending continually invited Chelsea to attack, and once in the lead the Blues moved with more fluency and comfort.<\/p>\n
Pulisic caused panic in the Hornets\u2019 box, inciting a clumsy challenge from Etienne Capoue \u2013 and a penalty was the only outcome.<\/p>\n
So up stepped Willian, stroking into the net after his now-customary stuttering run-up.<\/p>\n
Chelsea continued to dominate after the break, and Willian scythed through Watford\u2019s cover before sending a cute ball through for Giroud.<\/p>\n
The Blues striker found the target once more but Foster conjured a solid save.<\/p>\n
Willian\u2019s dipping 20-yard drive drew another good stop from Foster. Kurt Zouma connected well from the resulting corner but his header was straight at the Watford goalkeeper.<\/p>\n
Late on Danny Welbeck squandered Watford\u2019s only real chance of the night, with Kepa Arrizabalaga pulling off a good save from the striker\u2019s low shot.<\/p>\n
Chelsea were denied a second penalty at the death, with Christian Kabasele judged not to have felled the marauding Pulisic after a video assistant referee check.<\/p>\n
Just when the Blues were expecting to settle for a goalless second-half though, up popped the in-form Barkley with a smart strike to seal the comprehensive Chelsea win.<\/p>\n