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Gianfranco Zola hails Chelsea's contract rebel Antonio Rudiger for his 'exceptional' display in the gritty 2-1 victory away against Watford

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has heaped praise on Antonio Rudiger after Thomas Tuchel's men ground out a hard-fought three points against Watford on Wednesday night.

Mason Mount put Chelsea ahead before Claudio Ranieri's Hornets equalised through Emmanuel Dennis shortly before half-time.

Substitute Hakim Ziyech scored the decisive goal in the second half but Watford had spells of dominance and pushed the Premier League leaders all the way.

Antonio Rudiger produced an outstanding display at the back for Chelsea against Watford

It led Zola to praise the Chelsea backline, which was marshalled by Rudiger.

‘Chelsea defended so well from set pieces,' Zola said.