Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea secured passage to the fourth round of the FA Cup yesterday after they edged beyond Watford at Stamford Bridge. 

Second half goals from substitute Willian, Loic Remy and Kurt Zouma saw the Premier League leaders progress in the competition. 

However, Watford must take credit after a battling first half performance in which they had chances to take the lead.

Chelsea came into the match having been soundly beaten by Tottenham Hotspur in the league on New Year’s Day, and needed a positive result against Championship play-off contenders Watford.

Mourinho rested a series of first-team players, including Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas, for this match.

After a poor first half from the seven-time winners of the competition, Mourinho rung the changes at half-time, bringing on top scorer Diego Costa and winger Willian. 

They replaced Andre Schurrle and Oscar, both of whom had been ineffective in a first half in which Chelsea had dominated possession but created little in the way of goal-scoring opportunities.

The home side looked more confident after the break, and took the lead on 58 minutes, through Willian. 

The Brazilian midfielder applied a fine finish to a shot from outside the penalty area.

Watford manager Slavisa Jokanovic made tactical switches in response to his side falling behind but Chelsea’s power and strength showed as they took control of their Championship opponents.

On 70 minutes, Chelsea were further ahead when Remy slammed home a volleyed shot from inside the penalty box. 

And two minutes later  Zouma put the result beyond doubt with a glancing header which flew beyond Watford goalkeeper Jonathan Bond.

Costa nearly added a fourth when his curling free-kick struck the post.

The win means Chelsea leaves them on course in all four competitions, with their next match coming in the league, against managerless Newcastle United, on Saturday.