Watford moved six points ahead of the relegation area this afternoon (July 11) after two penalties from Troy Deeney were enough to see the Hornets come from behind again to beat Newcastle United.
Nigel Pearson’s men could now clinch safety on Friday night against fellow strugglers West Ham United if other results go their way and they manage to get a victory against the Hammers.
The Hornets were unchanged from their win over bottom of the table Norwich City on Tuesday.
The hero of that night, Danny Welbeck, went inches away from taking the lead on the 16th minute when he got a shot away from Kiko Femenia’s cross, but Jamaal Lascelles reached it just before the ball could cross the line.
Newcastle, who were desperate to respond after losing 5-0 against Manchester City last time out, took the lead after Federico Fernandez flicked the ball on from a corner, and Dwight Gayle was there to tap home from just a couple of yards out. 0-1
Allan Saint-Maximin nearly doubled the Magpies lead on the 35th minute but his effort was well denied by Ben Foster.
Five minutes after the second half started, Watford were awarded a penalty when Kiko Femenia was tripped in the box.
Troy Deeney stepped up and made no mistake, rifling the ball straight down the middle giving Martin Dubravka little chance of keeping the effort out. 1-1
Deeney should have double the lead not long after, just before the hour mark the ball fell kindly to the captain but this time Dubravka managed to keep him out.
Welbeck had a similar opportunity moments later, but his strike was deflected over the bar and onto the roof of the net.
Watford were awarded yet another penalty just 10 minutes from time when Javier Manquillo brought down Ismaila Sarr in the box, allowing Deeney to once again step up and make no mistake from 12-yards. 2-1
The Hornets controlled the vast majority of the second half and deservedly held on in the end to take all three points.
Nigel Pearson’s men now sit six points ahead of Bournemouth who are 18th, but that gap could be cut if they manage to pick up points against Leicester tomorrow night.
Watford travel to West Ham United on Friday night (July 17) as they look to continue the fight to stay in the Premier League next season.
Image courtesy of Watford FC
0 Comments