Willian, Loic Remy and Kurt Zouma struck as Chelsea beat Watford 3-0 in the FA Cup third round.
The draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup will include Chelsea after they finally broke down a dogged Watford side to win 3-0.
The visitors set their stall out to defend in numbers to frustrate their Premier League opponents and they were successful for the first hour of the match. A turgid opening period saw Chelsea -- missing the invention of the rested Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard -- struggle to create any openings with attacks often meekly petering out.
Watford might have had little impact in attack but with men gathered behind the ball they were reasonably comfortable as the referee's whistle brought the first half to a close.
A couple of halftime substitutions from Jose Mourinho ultimately altered the balance as one of the replacements, Willian, gave the hosts the lead with a delicious curling shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Chelsea's advantage was doubled when Loic Remy scored his fourth of the season and the contest was over once the impressive Kurt Zouma added the third.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating): GK Petr Cech, 8 -- Largely a spectator but made a pivotal contribution in the second half from Troy Deeney's deflected shot. Wrong-footed, Cech managed to adjust quickly to compensate for the nick off Filipe Luis. The importance of his intervention was highlighted further when Willian broke the deadlock at the other end just a couple of minutes later.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta 7 -- Apart from one instance when he let the ball bounce in his own penalty box, this was another assured outing from the Spaniard. Deployed on the right side of defence, it was noticeable how much more comfortable he is when attacking down that flank with his cross setting up the third goal.
DF Gary Cahill, 7 -- It was a surprise to see him start the match after his horror display in the 5-3 loss at Tottenham. Even so, he was rarely troubled and in fact looked like Chelsea's most likely source of a goal in the first half.
DF Kurt Zouma, 8 -- The Frenchman might only be 20 but his display belied his tender years. A commanding defensive presence with excellent positional sense, he snuffed out any openings Watford created before capping his day with an excellent headed goal.
DF Filipe Luis, 7 -- A stable if unspectacular performance. Managed to curtail the defensive lapses that so often punctuate his play to keep Watford quiet down his wing.
MF Ramires, 7 -- His usual bundle of energy as he broke up the play and drove through the middle. His distribution was as erratic as ever, though, which was the only blemish on a rare start for the 27-year-old.
MF John Obi Mikel, 8 -- Provided perhaps the biggest surprise of the day with his usually wayward passing being both accurate and positive as he constantly looked to set Didier Drogba free in attack. Also supplied an excellent shield for his back four in an impressive all-round performance
MF Oscar, 6 -- Not the Brazilian's greatest game with his distribution below his usual standard. Was clattered in a first half collision with visiting goalkeeper Jonathan Bond and his failure to impress after that saw him subbed at the break.
FW Andre Schurrle, 5 -- Another poor display from the German, whose absence in autumn through illness has badly affected his form. Replaced at halftime after yet another performance littered with confused decision-making and errant finishing.
FW Loic Remy, 7 -- Began the game wide on the right and struggled to make an impact initially. Improved markedly as the game went on and got his rewards by smashing home the second goal of the game.
FW Didier Drogba, 7 -- Held the ball up well and sought to link the play at every opportunity. Had few chances in front of goal, though saw one powerful header excellently saved from point-blank range by Bond.
Loic Remy celebrates the goal that put Chelsea 2-0 up.
Substitutes: FW Diego Costa, 7 -- Provided the hustle and bustle that was lacking in the first half with his power eventually ending in a goal for Remy.
FW Willian, 8 -- Made the best possible introduction from the bench by rifling home the opener at a point when Chelsea were labouring in front of goal.
MF Nathan Ake, N/R -- Came on for Drogba and slotted into midfield. Had no time to make an effective contribution.