Saturday 21 October 2017 17:37, UK
Jamie Redknapp has called Chelsea's 4-2 win against Watford a "big result" for the club and says they "badly" needed the result.
Heading into the game, Chelsea were without a win in three games in all competitions, including a 2-1 loss to bottom-of -the-table Crystal Palace in the Premier League last weekend, but ended that run at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
It sees Chelsea go above Watford into fourth spot, with Redknapp saying the win cannot be underestimated in its importance and will improve their confidence.
"It is a big result, don't underestimate how big this result is for Chelsea, they needed it badly," the Sky Sports pundit said after the game.
"Watford will be so disappointed, they had big chances to put the game to bed. If it had been 3-1, the atmosphere would have completely changed. When Richarlison missed that header, you can see it gave them (Chelsea) a lift.
"The manager made good substitutions but you have to credit Chelsea as well. They had a huge Champions League night on Wednesday and not a lot of time to turn it around and get freshness back in the legs but they showed great character.
"Anyone saying that the players aren't playing for Conte, of course they are, they are right at it. They need a little bit of luck and they had to suffer but it is great for their confidence. We talk about confidence so often in football, [Michy] Batshuayi comes on and make a difference and [Davide] Zappacosta at right wing-back as well."
Striker Batshuayi sparked the comeback for Chelsea when he came on in the 61st minute, netting twice to secure the victory, and Alan Pardew says Antonio Conte's substitutions changed the game.
"The manager did a good job in the second half because they were in a big hole. Watford, to me, should have had the game buried and if I was Marco Silva, I'd be disappointed to not get anything out of the game," the former manager said.
"The subs changed it. Willian did and Batshuayi as well, who picked up the man of the match as a sub, and that was a massive thing for the manager as well, he'll get confidence from having his subs make a massive impact like they did."
