
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."