London: Days after clinching the English Premier League (EPL) title, Chelsea needed a late goal to prevail over 16th-place Watford in a 4-3 goal fest.

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte on Monday made nine changes to the starting 11 that secured the league crown last Friday with a 1-0 victory against West Brom, reports Efe.

The line-up included Michy Batshuayi, who scored the title-winning goal against the Baggies and veteran Chelsea captain John Kerry, playing his final season at Stamford Bridge.

The visiting Hornets formed the customary honour guard for the champions ahead of the contest, which turned out to be a lot more exciting than expected.

Terry scored off a corner kick in the 22nd minute, though Etienne Capoue later equalised for Watford courtesy of a mistake by the Chelsea defender.

Cesar Azpilicueta, a fan favourite, made it 2-1 for Chelsea with his first goal of the campaign and Batshuayi put the hosts ahead 3-1.

Instead of throwing in the towel, Watford came roaring back to pull level on goals by Daryl Janmaat and substitute Stefano Okaka.

With two minutes left in regulation, Cesc Fabregas put the ball past visiting goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes to give the Blues a 4-3 victory, their 29th of the season.