Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Eden Hazard reached a century of goals for Chelsea to inspire them to a 2-1 victory over Watford in Wednesday's Premier League clash.
The Belgium star moved onto 101 for the Blues, striking either side of Roberto Pererya's stunning volley to seal all three points for Maurizio Sarri's side at Vicarage Road, reports Goal.
The result puts Chelsea back in the driving seat in the race for the top four, with Arsenal having dropped points earlier in the day and champions Manchester City now only four points ahead in third place.
Willian dribbled past Ben Foster and shot wide with the best of the early chances, the incident forcing Watford to take off Christian Kabasele after he injured his arm when colliding with the post.
Hazard, again deployed as a false nine, failed to connect with Cesar Azpilicueta's cross with the goal at his mercy but made amends in first-half injury time, rounding Foster and finishing after Mateo Kovacic won back the ball in Watford's half.
However, the lead did not last until half-time, Pereyra smashing home a volley from Jose Holebas' cross to restore parity.
Watford felt they deserved a penalty when David Luiz shouldered Gerard Deulofeu to ground shortly after the break, and their frustrations were compounded 58 minutes in when Hazard scored from the spot after being brought down by Foster.
Willian and N'Golo Kante each fired narrowly wide after more fine work by Hazard, but Chelsea's one-goal lead proved enough, with Troy Deeney missing Watford's best chance for a leveller as he prodded over the bar.