Watford supporters will be happy with some aspects of Saturday's 2-1 loss to Chelsea, but will be disappointed that the Hornets weren't able to see it out and earn at least a draw, especially when considering how soft both of the Blues' goals were.
It's impossible to avoid the argument that the Diego Costa shouldn't have been on the pitch when he scored the winner, but Watford will be frustrated to have afforded him the chance and to end up taking nothing from a game they controlled for so long.
Positives
Etienne Capoue's fine strike was his second of the season and gave Watford a well-deserved lead. Goals were the one thing missing from Capoue's debut season and if his current penchant for scoring continues, he will prove to be an immensely valuable player this time around.
The Hornets looked more than comfortable dealing with their illustrious visitors for the majority of the game, providing some comfort and confidence ahead of a tough run of games against Arsenal, West Ham and Manchester United.
Negatives
Two individual errors cost Watford the game and if the season isn't going to get difficult quickly, these will need to be addressed.
Whilst the overall performance was overwhelmingly positive, there is something disconcerting about taking nothing from a good performance and with equally challenging fixtures on the horizon. Walter Mazzarri will have to ensure this doesn't become a habit.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- Another animated touchline display from the Italian, which earned him a talking to from the official.
Mazzarri's tactics were largely spot on as Watford comfortably soaked up the Chelsea pressure until the final 10 minutes. It's hard to blame the manager when two errors lead to the goals, and whilst Mazzarri will have been disappointed to lose out to his old foe Antonio Conte, the start of his Watford tenure has been a promising one.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Heurelho Gomes, 6 -- Was unable to hold Eden Hazard's long-range drive, allowing Michy Batshuayi to pounce. The original strike was hit cleanly enough, but the Brazilian would have expected to hold it without too much difficulty.
DF Sebastian Prodl, 7 -- There were preseason doubts about the Austria international's place in the final 25-man squad, but after another excellent display here his future at Vicarage Road seems more certain, despite the arrival of Younès Kaboul.
DF Craig Cathcart, 7 -- Another full-blooded and committed display from the Northern Ireland international who was perhaps lucky to get away with a handball in the area. Some questions about his distribution, but did little wrong against a star-studded attack.
DF Miguel Britos, 7 -- Marshalled the Chelsea defence with confidence and poise. Britos is fast becoming one of Watford's key performers as Mazzarri looks to embed his preferred 3-5-2 formation.
MF Jose Holebas, 7 -- Continues to improve and turned in a better defensive display whilst also providing the necessary attacking threat. An early strike served as a reminder as to how dangerous he can be in the opposition half.
MF Adlene Guedioura, 5 -- It was his cross that fed Capoue for the goal, but it will be his poor pass that lead to Chelsea's second that grabs the headlines. After starting the first two games, Guedioura must now be sweating on his place after failing to impress during both outings.
MF Etienne Capoue, 8 -- Showed his class before succumbing to an injury picked up in a clash with Costa. The Frenchman seems to have found his shooting boots and Hornets supporters will be desperate for him to continue delivering performances like this. Excellent again.
MF Valon Behrami, 7 -- The tenacious midfielder delivered a typical Behrami performance, covering every blade of grass whilst refusing to let the opposition settle. The Swiss international never holds back, but is playing with a level of control that makes him a huge asset in the middle of the park.
MF Nordin Amrabat, 8 -- A man of the match performance from the reinvented wing-back. Put in an incredible shift in a position that is still new to him as he continues to confound expectation. Few will argue that Amrabat was the star of the Watford show at Vicarage Road.
FW Odion Ighalo, 6 -- Showed strength throughout and will have been disappointed not to make more of an early opportunity. As a confidence player he will be keen to get off the mark, but once again, chances were few and far between.
FW Troy Deeney, 6 -- An uncharacteristically quiet game for the talismanic striker and it is difficult to assess whether this is down to poor form or a lack of service from his teammates. Deeney was far from his influential best here, but as ever, it was not for the want of trying.
Substitutes
MF Abdoulaye Doucoure, NR -- Replaced Etienne Capoue following a clash with Costa.
MF Juan Zuniga, NR -- A 90th minute replacement for Holebas.
FW Matej Vydra, NR -- Unable to make a late impact after being introduced for Adlene Guedioura.