Tuchel delighted for centurion Barkley and returning Chilwell as Chelsea see off Watford

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was “happy for a good final day” as Ross Barkley marked his 100th appearance with the winning goal against Watford, while Ben Chilwell made his long-awaited return from injury.

The Blues secured third place ahead of Tottenham as Barkley’s stoppage-time header sealed a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel’s side controlled large periods of their clash with the relegated Hornets, but looked like they would have to settle for a point when Dan Gosling cancelled out Kai Havertz’s first-half strike.

But substitute Barkley celebrated his 100th appearance for the club by heading in Reece James’ cross in the 91st minute to snatch only a second win in six Premier League games on home soil. 

The Blues’ campaign also ended on a high as Chilwell returned to action, having not played since November after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

It capped off what was a pleasing day all around for Tuchel, who also handed Kenedy his first Premier League appearance for Chelsea in five years.

We’ve got super Tommy Tuchel.pic.twitter.com/oOnuwnjCAL

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 22, 2022

“It looked like we almost gave it away again at the end and had another draw at home, but we came back strongly,” he said.

“Reece and Ross turned it around in our favour. I’m happy for Ross to score on what was his 100th game in a Chelsea shirt.

“It was a mood changer for us today, and we are happy to end with a win. 

“The season was more or less finished for us, so we gave some players an opportunity to play who didn’t have many minutes. 

“I was happy they could show up and take a deserved win, which is a big step-up in terms of consistency for us.

“We also managed to get [Chilwell] back on the field, which was really nice, so overall I’m happy for a good final day.”