Chelsea 4-3 Watford: John Terry scores in thrilling win for champions

John Terry scored on potentially his final start as Chelsea celebrated winning the Premier League title with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Watford on Monday amid a party atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues made nine changes from the team that clinched the title at West Brom on Friday, and it was departing captain Terry who scored the opener from a corner in the 22nd minute.

Terry appeared to have tears in his eyes after the celebrations but, less than 90 seconds later, it was his miscued header that gifted Etienne Capoue the equaliser.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Michy Batshuayi scored either side of half-time to make it 3-1 to Chelsea, only for Daryl Janmaat to reply with a fine individual goal before substitute Stefano Okaka levelled in the 74th minute.

But Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to snatch the winner with two minutes remaining and Sebastian Prodl was sent off in a fiery finish before fireworks and streamers filled the air.

The champions now finish the campaign at Stamford Bridge against Sunderland on Sunday when they will lift the Premier League trophy, and a victory would see them finish on 93 points, the second-highest tally behind Jose Mourinho's 2004/05 Chelsea side, and become the first side to win 30 games in a Premier League season.

Watford, meanwhile, could end just a point above the relegation zone if they lose to Manchester City on the last day.

Having secured the title on Friday, and perhaps with one eye on the FA Cup final on May 27, Antonio Conte made nine changes to his starting line-up from the win over West Brom.

After being given a guard of honour, Chelsea took their time to settle into their stride, and it was Terry who put them ahead in the 22nd minute when he finished from a corner.

Terry's celebrations soon turned to frustrations, though, as he headed up into the air in his own box and Capoue nodded in from close range.

Eden Hazard dragged a shot wide on the half-hour mark before Azpilicueta restored Chelsea's lead when he fired in after a corner came out to him on the edge of the box.

Batshuayi made it 3-1 when he tapped in from Nathan Ake's pass shortly after half-time, only for Janmaat to quickly reply with a fine individual goal, driving down the left side and then finishing into the far corner.

Heurelho Gomes denied Batshuayi at close range and then tipped a low shot from Azpilicueta wide.

Watford levelled when substitute Okaka fired in, but Fabregas made it 4-3 when he finished from the edge of the area with two minutes remaining.

The Hornets finished with 10 men as Prodl was dismissed, and tempers flared up again before the final whistle went and fireworks shot into the sky to celebrate Chelsea's title win.

Player ratings

Chelsea: Begovic (5), Zouma (5), Terry (6), Ake (6), Azpilicueta (7), Kante (6), Chalobah (6), Kenedy (6), Willian (7), Hazard (6), Batshuayi (7).

Subs: Fabregas (6), Pedro (5), Aina (5).

Watford: Gomes (4), Mariappa (4), Prodl (3), Holebas (4), Janmaat (6), Behrami (5), Cleverley (5), Capoue (6), Amrabat (5), Doucoure (4), Niang (4).

Subs: Deeney (5), Okaka (5).

Man of the match: Willian.