Sunday 27 December 2015 09:49, UK
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink was pleased with the attitude of his side after they came from 2-1 down to draw 2-2 with Watford.
Hiddink has been placed in charge at Stamford Bridge for the second time and began his tenure with a hard-fought point thanks to a Diego Costa brace.
Having taken the lead against the Hornets, the Blues found themselves 2-1 behind when an Odion Ighalo shot deflected past Thibaut Courtois after Troy Deeney had levelled from the penalty spot.
However, Willian created an equaliser for Costa and Chelsea would have secured three points if Oscar had not slipped and put a late penalty high over the crossbar.
And, following 90 minutes of thrilling drama, Hiddink was fairly happy with what he had seen.
"It was an intense game," the Dutchman said. "I enjoyed it, although I enjoy it even more when we win.
"We had a possibility to win but unfortunately Oscar slipped on the penalty.
"What I liked very much was the reaction of the team after two unfortunately conceded goals. The team reacted well."
Asked if the fightback might not have occurred under former boss Jose Mourinho earlier in the campaign, Hiddink was diplomatic.
"I don't know," he said. "I was not here earlier in the season so I cannot judge about that, but nevertheless I think we have to learn a lesson and show ambition now to go forward."
Hiddink is a popular figure at Stamford Bridge after leading Chelsea to the FA Cup during his first spell in charge and he was pleased with how the crowd got behind the Blues.
He said: "This crowd is a very loyal crowd but also we must not deny that they had the right to express themselves in a previous period.
"But now we have to go forward and the crowd was supporting the team very well."
Costa was criticised for his efforts towards the end of Mourinho's reign but produced a much-improved performance here, taking his goals really well.
Hiddink said: "He focused on what he has to do. He can be sharp and at any moment he can score. That is what we ask from him, what we like to see.
"He has to focus on his job, which he did today."
Costa was booed last weekend by some groups of Chelsea fans, unhappy with his displays in the matches leading up to Mourinho's sacking.
And Hiddink added: "His reaction was good, when he was booed he had a very good reaction as a professional.
"I think that made him think 'how should I go on?'. And he showed how he will go on today."
