Chelsea fans in stitches over what 16-year-old Reggie Watson did after 89th-minute own goal
Chelsea supporters enjoyed what they saw from Reggie Watson after the 16-year-old’s reaction to the late equaliser in Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Chelsea were heading for defeat in Malaysia before an own goal in the 89th minute made it 3-3. As the ball crossed the line, Reggie Watson immediately turned towards the Johor defender involved and celebrated directly in front of him.
The moment was quickly picked up by supporters watching the game, with Watson’s reaction earning plenty of approval despite the match only being a pre-season friendly.
It provided another memorable moment on a tour in which the midfielder has increasingly caught the eye of Chelsea fans.
Chelsea had already come from behind twice before Johor moved 3-2 ahead through Bergson late in the second half.
Xabi Alonso’s side continued to push and eventually drew level when Liam Delap attacked a cross into the area, with the ball ultimately going in off a Johor player.
The post-match report confirms Chelsea’s equaliser arrived through an own goal in the 89th minute, completing an entertaining six-goal draw.
Watson’s attention, however, was immediately on the defender.
Footage of the goal showed the teenager celebrating directly in front of his opponent, with supporters on social media particularly enjoying the competitive edge shown by one of the youngest players in Alonso’s travelling squad.
The reaction should perhaps come as little surprise given Watson’s progress over the past year.
Chelsea describe Watson as a composed central midfielder who joined the club from Crystal Palace during his Under-15 season. He became a regular for the Under-18s last term and also made appearances for the Under-21s while still a schoolboy.
Watson has been given significant exposure to senior football during Alonso’s first pre-season.
ReadChelsea previously included the midfielder in Chelsea’s official tour squad numbers, with Watson wearing No.31 during the trip.
He also played the full 90 minutes in the 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers and has continued to earn opportunities alongside Chelsea’s established first-team players.
At 16, Watson still has a considerable amount of development ahead of him.
Chelsea supporters, though, appear to have enjoyed seeing that he already has little hesitation about competing with senior opponents.
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