3rd February, 2016
Chelsea’s unbeaten run under Guus Hiddink extended to eight Premier League games with a draw at Watford.
Diego Costa saw a first-half shot deflected just wide for the visitors, while Etienne Capoue’s fierce drive was kept out by Thibaut Courtois.
Heurelho Gomes’s superb one-handed save from Costa’s header denied Chelsea victory late on.
The point moves Chelsea up to 13th on 29 points, while Watford are four points and places better off.
Gomes keeps the Blues away
Watford started their first season back in the Premier League in blistering fashion, with eight wins before Christmas propelling them into the top 10.
However, that form took a turn for the worse as they lost four successive league games from 28 December.
Hornets boss Quique Sanchez Flores brought in Costel Pantilimon from Sunderland during the January transfer window and if his intention was to challenge his first-choice keeper to raise his game, it appears to have worked.
Gomes put in a man-of-the-match performance against Chelsea, reacting swiftly to keep out Branislav Ivanovic from close range and Costa in the final few minutes.
Costa the centre of attention
This game saw both the best and worst of Costa.
The striker, particularly in the first half, was at it his bustling best – a particular highlight the moment he brought down Cesc Fabregas’ long ball under control, and turned Watford defenders inside outside before shooting just wide.
He also struggled to control his temper as he was pulled up by referee Mike Dean for shoving over Sebastian Prodl in the Watford box, before he got involved in an angry exchange with Juan Carlos Paredes that led to both players been booked.