Chelsea vs Watford LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow live coverage as Chelsea face Watford in the Premier League today.
Manchester City are reigning champions after a dominant 2020/21 season and Pep Guardiola's side are favourites to win it again boasting as they do one of the best squads in Europe.
European champions Chelsea have proven they have what it takes to dethrone City, however, having done it in last season's Champions League final and will be hoping to add a domestic title to the one won in Porto.
Liverpool were winners back in 2020 ending a 30-year wait for league glory and Jurgen Klopp is sure to have them back challenging again at the sharp end this season too while Manchester United will be looking to be back in the title picture with Cristiano Ronaldo returning to his former club in the summer.
It's not all about the action at the top though with Norwich, Watford and Brentford promoted to the top tier for 2020/21 and hoping to hold their own against the best English football has to offer and avoid the drop.
We will bring you all the action and updates from today's game in the live blog below:
Chelsea vs Watford LIVE: Premier League updates
Chelsea XI: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, James, Kante, Saul, Kenedy, Ziyech, Havertz, Mount
Watford XI: Bachmann, Kamara, Samir, Femenía, Kabasele, Cleverley, Sissoko(c), Kayembe, João Pedro, Sema, King
Chelsea FC 2 - 1 Watford FC
Chelsea vs Watford
17:51 , admin
Chelsea are a goal to the good at the break thanks to Kai Havertz's early strike, and well on course to securing third place in the Premier League. As things stand, Watford are set to bow out of the top-flight with a defeat.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:50 , admin
Our season ends with a win! ✊
🔵 2-1 🔴 | #CheWat pic.twitter.com/jJKuLnsuHo— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:50 , admin
Full-time at Stamford Bridge.#CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/zWGzWLqiqO
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:47 , admin
HALF-TIME: CHELSEA 1-0 WATFORD
Chelsea vs Watford
17:47 , admin
OFF THE BAR! The hosts almost double their lead as Havertz latches onto a lofted ball into the penalty area, only to be denied by the woodwork from a tight angle.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:48 , admin
James delivers a trademark cross, Barkley heads it home at the back stick! 👊
🔵 2-1 🔴 [90] #CheWat https://t.co/SJaFzdpFRh— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:47 , admin
Barkley scores to put Chelsea back in front.
⏱ 90+1’
🔵 2-1 🐝#CHEWAT— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:47 , admin
BACK AHEAD! 😁
🔵 2-1 🔴 [90] #CheWat pic.twitter.com/VZwyIz92lD— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:45 , admin
Following good build-up from Chelsea down the right, there is a chance for Mount in the box, but the England international is denied by a strong block from the Watford defence.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:46 , admin
Masina whips in a deep cross and Gosling arrives at the back post to head home a late equaliser for the Hornets!!!
⏱ 87’
🔵 1-1 🐝#CHEWAT https://t.co/aOKYcdEiPr— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:45 , admin
Substitution Mason Mount Ben Chilwell
Chelsea vs Watford
17:45 , admin
Ben Chilwell comes on for Mount.
Welcome back, @BenChilwell! 💙
🔵 1-1 🔴 [89] #CheWat— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:44 , admin
The Blues do boast an impressive record on the final day of Premier League seasons. Prior to kick-off, only Arsenal (64) had found the net more times than them (56).
Chelsea vs Watford
17:44 , admin
Goal Dan Gosling
Chelsea vs Watford
17:44 , admin
SUPER SUB!!!!! pic.twitter.com/PByj1X0d4H
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:44 , admin
Gosling equalises for Watford.
🔵 1-1 🔴 [87] #CheWat— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:43 , admin
Our third substitution.
⏱ 82’
🔵 1-0 🐝#CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/abr8hDQwGy— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:41 , admin
Chelsea continue to threaten and Havertz looks to get in behind the defence, who make up vital ground to deny him a clear sight on goal.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:40 , admin
Good save! The ball breaks kindly in the box for Mount to strike, but Bachmann is equal to his low drive.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:39 , admin
Kenedy has looked lively so far in what is his first Premier League appearance for the Blues in five years. The Brazilian has enjoyed plenty of possession and provided a constant threat down the left.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:36 , admin
The visitors look to threaten again down the left flank, but their momentum stalls when Kayembe is penalised for offside.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:34 , admin
The Hornets have only tasted victory on the final day of a Premier League season once in seven attempts. That sole success came during their maiden campaign of 1999-2000.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:34 , admin
An enforced change as Kamara is withdrawn due to injury.
Get well soon, Hassane!
⏱ 78’
🔵 1-0 🐝#CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/pOyLhnyw2F— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:34 , admin
Substitution Hassane Kamara Adam Masina
Chelsea vs Watford
17:31 , admin
Good save! Watford enjoying their best spell and it almost culminates in an equaliser. Kamara's low ball flashes across the penalty area to an unmarked Femenia, whose fierce shot is pushed away by Mendy.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:30 , admin
A dangerous cross from the right is cleared for a corner by Azpilicueta. But Watford are unable to capitalise, as Chelsea calmly deal with the danger.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:30 , admin
Taking aim, @RBarkley8. 🎯
🔵 1-0 🔴 [74] #CheWat pic.twitter.com/Dl0UOOdqom— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:29 , admin
The Hornets have lost eight of their nine previous Premier League showdowns with Chelsea, including each of the most recent five.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:29 , admin
Our first change sees Hernández make his return from injury.
Welcome back, Cucho!
⏱ 72’
🔵 1-0 🐝#CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/FoKmszKl2s— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:27 , admin
Substitution Joshua Christian Kojo King Juan Camilo Hernández Suárez
Chelsea vs Watford
17:27 , admin
Barkley tries his luck from range but Bachmann denies him!
⏱ 71’
🔵 1-0 🐝#CHEWAT— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:26 , admin
Watford enjoy a rare venture forward, during which Mendy is forced out of goal to punch clear. The Hornets maintain the pressure as Kayembe plays a neat one-two with King, before drilling a shot wide of the target.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:27 , admin
Close to a second! Good long-range effort from Barkley is saved!
🔵 1-0 🔴 [70] #CheWat— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:26 , admin
James drives into the box and cuts inside to shoot but Cleverley gets back to make a crucial tackle!
⏱ 69’
🔵 1-0 🐝#CHEWAT— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:24 , admin
Hodgson watches on from the sidelines for the final time today. The 74-year-old will be replaced in the Vicarage Road dugout by former Forest Green Rovers boss Rob Edwards next season.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:25 , admin
A standing ovation for @ToniRuediger. 👏
🔵 1-0 🔴 [69] #CheWat pic.twitter.com/EDniOX3R8x— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:23 , admin
Chelsea's early dominance is demonstrated by the fact they have enjoyed over 70 per cent of the possession so far, while registering five shots on goal to their opponents' one.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:21 , admin
Mount is completely unmarked as he meets Ziyech's deep cross at the far post, but is unable to direct his header towards goal.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:21 , admin
Substitution Antonio Rüdiger Ross Barkley
Chelsea vs Watford
17:22 , admin
Ross Barkley replaces Rudiger in our second switch.
🔵 1-0 🔴 [66] #CheWat— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:19 , admin
The Blues are well in control as they aim to address their indifferent home form at the end of this season. Indeed, they have won just once in their last five Premier League games at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:17 , admin
Into the final 30 minutes of the season. ⏱
🔵 1-0 🔴 [62] #CheWat pic.twitter.com/KVPazXc3Gj— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:16 , admin
At the other end, Chelsea win possession and neat link-up play between Mount and Havertz tees up Saul, who curls his shot just wide of the near post.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:15 , admin
Watford look to respond immediately and a free-kick is only cleared as far as Sissoko, whose 20-yard drive is well-blocked by the stubborn Chelsea defence.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:16 , admin
Kabasele makes a brilliant challenge in the area to prevent Ziyech from getting a shot away.
⏱ 58’
🔵 1-0 🐝#CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/gx5RSU9SeG— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:14 , admin
If Hodgson could have chosen any ground on which to conclude his managerial career, Stamford Bridge would not have been at the top of his list. Indeed, the former England boss has lost on each of his last seven visits.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:15 , admin
Our first change this afternoon sees Malang Sarr replace Kenedy.
🔵 1-0 🔴 [59] #CheWat— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:10 , admin
Chelsea maintain their pressure and after Kenedy's effort is blocked, Saul unleashes a low drive that deflects off Mount and behind for a goal-kick.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:07 , admin
The Blues continue to threaten and Kenedy's cross almost breaks kindly for Ziyech, but Kamara's swift intervention clears the danger for now.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:06 , admin
GOOD SAVE! After Sissoko is dispossessed, Chelsea quickly turn defence into attack as Havertz races onto a ball over the top of the Watford defence. However, Bachmann demonstrates wonderful reflexes to deny him.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:05 , admin
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 11 matches when finishing a Premier League season at home. You must go back to a 3-1 reverse against Aston Villa in May 2002 for their last defeat.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:05 , admin
What a run from João Pedro who gets into the box and finds space to shoot, but Mendy denies the Brazilian with a good save!
⏱ 48’
🔵 1-0 🐝#CHEWAT— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:04 , admin
Another fine save from Mendy, this time to deny Joao Pedro!
🔵 1-0 🔴 [48] #CheWat— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:03 , admin
For the final time, Mike Dean is our referee for today's Premier League clash. He blows his whistle and we're under way!
Chelsea vs Watford
17:02 , admin
The teams are making their way out onto the field and kick-off is moments away.
Chelsea vs Watford
17:02 , admin
The second half kicks off.
⏱ 46’
🔵 1-0 🐝#CHEWAT— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
17:01 , admin
The second half as begun!
🔵 1-0 🔴 [46] #CheWat pic.twitter.com/OPa0dJI5wI— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:47 , admin
The famous CFC. 🎶
🔵 1-0 🔴 | #CheWat pic.twitter.com/8F4UhV4p2T— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:47 , admin
Half-time at Stamford Bridge.#CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/PvpZamxnUC
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:46 , admin
Ahead at the break. 👊
🔵 1-0 🔴 | #CheWat pic.twitter.com/Xpw7x6fPyf— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:45 , admin
Reece James cuts it back for Mount but his shot at goal is blocked!
🔵 1-0 🔴 [44] #CheWat— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:42 , admin
Chelsea push forward again and Bachmann saves from Ziyech before Cleverley puts his body on the line to deny Kenedy.
⏱ 40’
🔵 1-0 🐝#CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/nRlWtL2YHZ— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:37 , admin
Ten until the break! ⏱
🔵 1-0 🔴 [35] #CheWat pic.twitter.com/oRfUdcAhqm— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:35 , admin
Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson makes six changes for Watford in what is the final match of his distinguished managerial career. Femenia and King have both recovered from illness, while Cleverley (rib) and Samir (groin) are back from injury. There are also starts for Kamara and Bachmann in goal. Ngakia, Masina, Cathcart and Gosling all drop to the bench.
Chelsea vs Watford
16:32 , admin
Another chance as Sema's cross goes all the way through to Femenía, who forces Mendy into a save at his near post!
⏱ 31’
🔵 1-0 🐝#CHEWAT— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:32 , admin
Mendy spreads himself well to save from Femenia at the back post!
🔵 1-0 🔴 [31] #CheWat— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:29 , admin
Thomas Tuchel makes five changes to the Chelsea side that were held by Leicester in midweek. Havertz, Mount, Saul, Kenedy and Azpilicueta all come into the side, with Lukaku, Pulisic, Jorginho and Chalobah dropping to the bench, where is a welcome return for long-term injury absentee Ben Chilwell. Timo Werner, Mateo Kovacic and Andreas Christensen miss out.
Chelsea vs Watford
16:27 , admin
Chelsea have never lost to Watford in the Premier League on home soil; winning six of the previous seven such matches, while scoring at least twice on each occasion.
Chelsea vs Watford
16:27 , admin
First Watford chance as Kayembe plays a one-two on the edge of the area before shooting wide of Mendy's goal.
⏱ 25’
🔵 1-0 🐝#CHEWAT— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:26 , admin
SUBS: Rob Elliot, Jeremy Ngakia, William Troost-Ekong, Adam Masina, Craig Cathcart, Dan Gosling, Juan Hernandez, Francisco Sierralta, Kwadwo Baah.
Chelsea vs Watford
16:24 , admin
WATFORD (4-3-3): Daniel Bachmann; Kiko Femenia, Christian Kabasele, Samir, Hassane Kamara; Moussa Sissoko, Edo Kayembe, Tom Cleverley; Joao Pedro, Joshua King, Ken Sema.
Chelsea vs Watford
16:22 , admin
These two. 💙
🔵 1-0 🔴 [22] #CheWat pic.twitter.com/aS9bFC6Ksj— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:17 , admin
Smiles all round! 😁
🔵 1-0 🔴 [17] #CheWat pic.twitter.com/YB0qUZc77y— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:13 , admin
Kenedy delivers another good cross and this time Kai does turn it home! 👊
🔵 1-0 🔴 [12] #CheWat https://t.co/7guhcEn1KC— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:12 , admin
Goal Kai Lukas Havertz
Chelsea vs Watford
16:12 , admin
THERE'S THE OPENER! 😁
🔵 1-0 🔴 [11] #CheWat pic.twitter.com/W97CyUIhzn— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:12 , admin
Havertz converts a Kenedy cross to put Chelsea ahead.
⏱ 11’
🔵 1-0 🐝#CHEWAT— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:08 , admin
SUBS: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Jorginho, Romelu Lukaku, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Trevoh Chalobah, Ross Barkley, Ben Chilwell, Malang Sarr.
Chelsea vs Watford
16:08 , admin
Chance for Chelsea!
Kenedy's good cross is missed by Havertz before the Watford defence beat Ziyech to the loose ball!
🔵 0-0 🔴 [7] #CheWat— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:07 , admin
CHELSEA (3-4-3): Edouard Mendy; Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger; Reece James, N'Golo Kante, Saul Niguez, Kenedy; Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount.
Chelsea vs Watford
16:08 , admin
Havertz goes through on goal but Bachmann makes a good save to keep us level!
⏱ 6’
🔵 0-0 🐝#CHEWAT— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:01 , admin
We're underway in West London...
⏱ 1’
🔵 0-0 🐝#CHEWAT— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:01 , admin
We are underway, come on Chelsea! 🤝
🔵 0-0 🔴 [1] #CheWat— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
16:00 , admin
We're warm. We're ready! 👊@trivago #letsgo #CheWat pic.twitter.com/G1dtNlJbmM
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
15:57 , admin
The final preparations. 👊#CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/cjSMmmmDAO
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
15:48 , admin
Tidy finish, @saulniguez! 👏 #CheWat pic.twitter.com/BVveguO8Tv
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
15:38 , admin
Harvey Vale, your 2021/22 Academy Player of the Season! 👏 pic.twitter.com/tmKNMEfLx3
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
15:30 , admin
Let’s get warm! ✊#CheWat pic.twitter.com/L7m6cbvnEU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
15:30 , admin
The Hornets are here. 👋#CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/RLn9eeHZAS
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford: Team news
15:14 , Jack Rathborn
Chelsea XI: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, James, Kante, Saul, Kenedy, Ziyech, Havertz, Mount
Watford XI: Bachmann, Kamara, Samir, Femenía, Kabasele, Cleverley, Sissoko(c), Kayembe, João Pedro, Sema, King
Chelsea vs Watford
15:30 , admin
Skipper prep. ✅#CheWat pic.twitter.com/Mdo4ATI3iT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
15:30 , admin
Chelsea are all but guaranteed third place; Tottenham require a 19-goal swing in order to displace them. Although, the Blues would make absolutely certain with a point against relegated Watford, who are preparing for life back in the Championship.
Chelsea vs Watford
15:30 , admin
Welcome back, @BenChilwell! 👍#CheWat pic.twitter.com/UgtV9NrreK
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
15:30 , admin
ℹ️ Kalu misses out through illness, while Foster is absent with a slight elbow problem.#CHEWAT
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
15:30 , admin
Hello everyone and welcome to live text coverage of the Premier League match between Chelsea and Watford at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Watford
15:00 , admin
Follow live football coverage with The Independent today.
Whether it's Premier League, Champions League, a European Championship or the World Cup we will keep you up to date with everything you need to know.
We will have all the latest scores, goals and updates plus analysis and reaction throughout the game here.
Chelsea vs Watford
15:30 , admin
Your Chelsea team news! 🔵@ParimatchGlobal | #CheWat pic.twitter.com/by2OwpAFYE
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
15:30 , admin
🚨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨
Here's how the Hornets line up for our final game of the 2021/22 campaign.#CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/ujDW12ZEfK— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
15:30 , admin
📍 Stamford Bridge#CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/CIop1yYM1R
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 22, 2022
Chelsea vs Watford
15:30 , admin
Afternoon, lads! 👋 #CheWat pic.twitter.com/bpq8Ao0bLb
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website