Pedro gave Chelsea the lead against Watford Saturday morning with a beautiful, curling finish from 25 yards, but should the goal have been allowed?
Pedro gave Chelsea a 1-0 lead against Watford at Stamford Bridge on Saturday with a wonderful strike from 25 yards that hit off one post before nestling into the opposite side of the net. But the goal, the result of a corner replays showed should have been a goal kick, was harsh on the Hornets, who had started the game well.
Whether it should have happened or not, the goal was the latest in a growing list of stunning Pedro finishes. This one was particularly timely, with Chelsea seeking their first win since September — they’ve lost to Manchester City and Crystal Palace, and drawn with Roma in their past three matches — and Watford proving a dangerous opponent in the early exchanges.
The Hornets are flying high in the Premier League after eight matches and came into their match at Stamford Bridge full of confidence following their come-from-behind win against Arsenal at Vicarage Road last weekend.
https://twitter.com/si_soccer/status/921705163806642176
They forced Chelsea onto the back foot early as well, with Antonio Rudiger making two important interventions within the first five minutes. But the Blues grew into the game, as Eden Hazard, Alvaro Morata and Pedro got more involved, and Pedro’s goal came with Chelsea in the ascendancy.
Next: 25 best club soccer teams of all time
The home side got even better following the goal as well, forcing Watford back and Heurelho Gomes into two important stops, one from Cesc Fabregas, who tried to chip the keeper when through on goal. Chelsea began the day fifth in the table, a place and two points behind Watford. A win would move them back into the top four, at least until Arsenal, Liverpool and Burnley play later in the weekend.