Chelsea Boss Antonio Conte Praises Side's 'Good Character' After 4-2 Win Over Watford

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has praised his side after they fought back from 2-1 down to beat Watford 4-2 in a thrilling game of Premier League football on Saturday afternoon. 

The Blues took the lead through a stunning Pedro strike early on, but the Hornets hit back and equalised on the stroke of half-time, via a close-range Abdoulaye Doucouré finish.

Things went from bad to worse for the Blues in the second half, and their defence was exposed as Roberto Pereyra found himself in acres of space to scoop a well-taken finish over Thibaut Cortois. Chelsea launched a stunning comeback, with a Michy Batshauyi brace and a César Azpilicueta header sealing the three points. 

Assessing his side's performance after the victory, via ESPN, Conte claimed:

"We showed good character, good spirit, we tried to fight and tried to win.

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"I have to praise my players for this. It wasn't easy. When you are not used to losing one game, also two games in a row, I think it's not simple. The game was very tough against a good team in a good moment of form, a lot of confidence."

"I want also to see the positive aspects because in the last two games we scored seven goals. We conceded five goals but I think to score seven goals is important. This game was the third game in seven days."

As well as saluting the performance as his squad as a whole, the charismatic Italian also singled out Michy Batshuayi's efforts for praise, claiming:

"I'm pleased for Michy because he scored two goals but his impact during the game was also amazing. I think it was the same for Willian and (Davide) Zappacosta."

The Blues will now prepare to face Everton next week in the Carabao Cup, as Antonio Conte's side's gruelling run of fixtures continues. 

With N'Golo Kanté injured and questions remaining over the fitness of Álvaro Morata, David Luiz and Tiémoué Bakayoko, Chelsea could find their squad stretched to its limits in the upcoming weeks.