Chelsea held to 0-0 draw by Watford in Premier League

WATFORD, England — Chelsea failed to turn sustained late pressure into a goal in a 0-0 draw at Watford in the English Premier League on Wednesday (Thursday  in Manila).

 

Eden Hazard's introduction from the bench in the 73rd minute sparked the champions into life after they started sluggishly at Vicarage Road, but Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes produced brilliant saves to deny Branislav Ivanovic and Diego Costa.

 

"We got a point today against a very good side," Gomes said, "and I was glad to make a difference."

 

Chelsea didn't have a shot on target until the 60th, with Watford creating the better openings early on for Odion Ighalo and Etienne Capoue.

 

Chelsea hasn't lost in nine games under new coach Guus Hiddink, but is in 13th place in a dismal defense of its title, 11 points adrift of the European positions.

 

It was a frustrating game for Costa, who was booked in the first half after getting involved in a petty exchange with Juan Carlos Paredes. The Watford defender also received a yellow card.

 

"He likes to go physical but he must do within the rules," Hiddink said of Costa. "Sometimes players get physical and he has to get used to that."