Essien: Chelsea’s draw with Watford was unlucky

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien claims that the Blues' 2-2 home draw with Watford on Boxing Day was unlucky.

The 33-year-old returned to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his move to Panathanaikos from A.C. Milan in July.

Diego Costa put Chelsea in front on 32nd minute before Troy Deeney converted a cool penalty following a handball from Nemanja Matic to level the score for Watford.

The visitors then took the lead on 56th minute through a strike from Odion Ighalo, while Costa hit home a double to equalise at 2-2.

However, Oscar bungled a penalty that could have handed Chelsea the winner.

“It’s was good to be back at Stamford Bridge,” Essien wrote on his Instagram page. “Chelsea were unlucky with the result but there’s always room for improvement. Come on Chelsea,” he added.

Essien joined Chelsea in 2005 from French side Olympique Lyonnais for a fee of £24.4 million, becoming the most expensive African footballer at the time.

He won two league titles, one Champions League title as well as three FA Cup titles during his nine-year stay at Stamford Bridge.