Chelsea hero John Terry had a night to remember in what could be his final appearance at Stamford Bridge.

The 36-year-old is leaving the club at the end of the season and was handed a rare start against Watford with the Premier League title already secured.

Terry made his mark with the opening goal, the 1,000th of the Roman Abramovich era, but was guilty of some poor defending.

A couple of defences lapses from the veteran allowed Watford back into the game and saw the Hertfordshire club back into the match.

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However, Chelsea finished strongly and Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to sweep home the winner in a 4-3 thriller at the Bridge.

It was an emotional night for Terry in only his fifth league start of the season as his goal means he has now scored in 17 successive seasons at the top level.

The former England captain had not hit the net in the Premier League since January 2016 but will treasure his scrappy finish against Watford forever.

It remains to be seen as to whether Antonio Conte affords him another start for the final fixture of the campaign when Sunderland come to town on Sunday.

Conte, who has been shortlisted for the manager of the year award, made an unprecedented nine changes to the team that beat West Brom to clinch the title.

Watford had not won in their six previous visits to west London and when Terry stabbed home early on it seemed like a Chelsea win would be a mere formality.

But the captain, leader, legend went from hero to zero within two minutes as Etienne Capoue nipped in to intercept his weak header and level the score.

No Chelsea player has featured more often than Cesar Azpilicueta in this stunning title-winning season for the Blues and the Spaniard deserved a goal.

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He got his reward for a tireless campaign at the back when he lashed home with a brilliant drive to put his side 2-1 up before the half-time interval.

Three minutes after the restart and it was three for the Blues when Nathan Ake showed good composure to play in Michy Batshuayi for a simple finish.

In almost a mirror image of the action in the first half, Watford replied within two minutes through a fine individual effort from Daryl Janmaat.

Watford tails were up and manager Walter Mazzarri was becoming more animated on the touchline as he urged his team forward.

His instructions were clearly well received by his players and Stefano Okaka took advantage of more sloppy defending from Terry and Kurt Zouma to slot home.

That made it 3-3 on the night in what was quickly becoming a crazy night of football at the home of the new Premier League champions.

Tempers threatened to boil over in the closing minutes as Batshuayi lost his cool but he escaped major punishment.

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But there was still time for a winner as Willian’s short pass was inviting for Fabregas and the midfielder finished coolly into the far corner.

While Batshuayi remained on the field after a flashpoint, Sebastian Prodl was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence in injury time.

Victory over Sunderland in the final game of the season will give Chelsea the new Premier League record for most wins in a single campaign.