Hiddink praises Mikel

Chelsea boss, Guus Hiddink, has praised John Mikel Obi for bringing balance to the team following the 2-2 draw against Watford. The Nigerian set a new milestone in the game.

‘Today I liked our intensity but we also have to look for a balance in the team. It’s a very attacking-orientated team.

‘When we have a midfield with all creative players it’s beautiful but sometimes you need a balance and I thought John Obi gave us that balance. When you have the creative players such as Matic, Oscar, Willian coming inside and Cesc as well, sometimes you have to choose in a different way,’ he said in his post-match conference.

The Dutchman, who was overseeing his first game since taking charge until the end of the season, praised the spirit of the side while expressing disappointment that his team failed to take all three points.

The Blues had taken the lead through Diego Costa just after the half-hour mark, but 10 minutes later Watford equalised when Troy Deeney converted from the penalty spot after Nemanja Matic had handled.

The visitors then took the lead in the second half courtesy of a deflected Odion Ighalo strike, before Diego Costa – who will miss Monday’s game at Manchester United through suspension after picking up a late booking – restored parity with his second goal of the match after latching on to an incisive Willian pass.

Chelsea were presented with a wonderful opportunity to win it when the returning Eden Hazard, a second-half substitute, was brought down inside the box, but as Oscar stepped forward to take the resulting penalty he lost his footing, slipped and sent his kick high over the bar.