Watford extended their unbeaten run at Vicarage Road this afternoon (Saturday, November 28) with an emphatic 4-1 victory against Preston North End.
The Hornets, who drew their last two games in the Championship, took the lead in just the ninth minute through Quina, who volleyed in Ismaila Sarr’s cross at the far past after Preston’s ‘keeper initially palmed Femenía’s long-range effort.
The first half ended with just the single goal, but it wasn’t without its excitement – the home side had eight shots at goal while Preston had seven.
In-form Brazilian teen João Pedro replaced Andre Gray up front in the 30th minute after the Englishman pulled up with an injury.
Watford struck early yet again in the second half – this time through captain Troy Deeney’s rocket of a penalty.
The 32-year-old striker converted from the spot after Sarr was fouled in the box in the 51st minute. Deeney kept his composure, smashing it down the middle to get his first goal since Watford returned to the Championship.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing though, as just three minutes later Barkhuizen’s hopeful shot took a huge deflection, sending it past Ben Foster to make it 2-1.
The away side’s response didn’t phase the Hornets at all, and some brilliant combination play between Chalobah and Deeney restored their two-goal lead just before the 60th minute.
Chalobah played a one-two with Deeney – the captain’s slick flick was almost as impressive as Chalobah’s subsequent volley.
The ever impressive João Pedro finished the game off in the 75th minute, putting the ball in the net at the back post after James Garner’s corner was flicked onto him by Cathcart.
The convincing win leaves Watford third in the table with 26 points, just two points off league leaders Norwich.
Picture credit: Watford FC
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