EPL: Antonio Conte under further pressure after Chelsea thrashed 4-1 by Watford

Antonio Conte looks dejected during Watford's 4-1 thumping of Chelsea at Vicarage Road on Tuesday (NZT). Photo / Getty Images.

Antonio Conte's future as Chelsea boss was cast into further doubt as his 10-man Blues were thrashed 4-1 by Watford in the Premier League.

The Blues, who lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth last week, were poor again at Vicarage Road and had Tiemoue Bakayoko sent off after half an hour, for two bookings within five minutes.

Troy Deeney scored a penalty in the closing stages of the first half to put the Hornets ahead. Chelsea equalised via a magnificent Eden Hazard goal on 82 minutes.

However two minutes later, Daryl Janmaat scored his own memorable effort to put the hosts back in front.

On-loan Gerard Deulofeu - man of the match on his home debut - ran more than 50m before sliding the ball into the corner of the goal with the aid of a slight deflection to extend the lead.

Substitute Roberto Pereyra netted in stoppage time to secure an emphatic win.

Conte had called on Chelsea's hierarchy to "prepare a statement...to say they trust me in my work" ahead of the game but it was another dismal evening for the defending champions, who remain fourth but 19 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

Watford, who won in the league for the first time since Boxing Day, are 11th.