The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern were fearing the worst when Roma went 3-2 up on Wednesday evening. Though Chelsea were able to control the early stages of the game, eventually picking up a 2-0 lead, their lack of stability in midfield really came back to haunt them. In a flash, the Italian outfit were able to turn the game around and take a 3-2 lead as the game reached its final stages.

Fortunately, Eden Hazard was able to come through with a deft header to seal a draw for the Blues, with Chelsea’s blushes saved by their Belgian hero. It was a pretty poor game for a few of Chelsea’s players, and in truth a defeat is probably what they deserved. They’ve certainly got to improve over the next few weeks.

The blame cannot be all theirs, though. Rather, Antonio Conte also made a few decisions that retrospectively look questionable, and so he certainly needs to make those mistakes right this weekend.

With that said, Conte simply must learn from these 2 Roma mistakes against Watford on Saturday…

 Rotation Is Key

Antonio Conte was lucky last season in that Chelsea’s games were fairly spread out, with no European football to contend with. This, as a result, allowed him to pick the same players every week, making squad rotation a non-issue.

He’s not been so fortunate this season, with a high frequency of games really taking a toll on the Blues’ squad. Thus far, though, he’s been hesitant to give anyone a day off, and it’s beginning to show.

Cesar Azpilicueta, in particular, has really looked off the pace over the last few weeks, and he was certainly at fault against Roma. The game against Watford is so important, but someone like Antonio Rudiger – who has looked good – would be far more effective than an out-of-form Cesar Azpilicueta.

 Pedro Must Start

It was a surprise to some in the Transfer Tavern when Pedro didn’t start, and their concern was certainly vindicated when the Spaniard did enter the fray.

The winger really spiced things up for the Blues, and he gave them an attacking edge that they were sorely lacking up until that point.

Conte cannot make the mistake of leaving him on the bench against Watford, he’s simply been too effective lately.