Watford took a huge step towards Premier League safety tonight despite going down in the opening minutes against bottom of the table Norwich City.
Goals from Craig Dawson and Danny Welbeck was enough to turn the game on its head and secure a vital three points for the Hornets.
Nigel Pearson made two changes to the side that lost 3-0 against Chelsea last time out, bringing in Adam Masina and Danny Welbeck for Adrian Mariappa and Nathaniel Chalobah.
It was a disaster start for the Hornets though when Emiliano Buendia put the visitors ahead after just five minutes. 0-1
Norwich’s joy was short-lived though when just five minutes later, defender Craig Dawson went forward for a free kick which was floated in by Etienne Capoue and he managed to head the ball beyond Tim Krul and into the net for an equaliser. 1-1
Abdoulaye Doucoure almost gave Watford the lead right on half time when Ismaila Sarr’s cross found him, but his header went harmlessly over the bar.
The visitors has the first chance of the second half when Max Aarons got a shot away, but it was well saved by Ben Foster.
Just minutes later though it was Watford who took the lead with Welbeck expertly scoring on the edge of the area with an overhead kick leaving Krul with no chance of keeping the ball out. 2-1
Tom Cleverley was brought on not long after and almost gave Watford some breathing space but the Dutch goalkeeper managed to keep the effort out.
On the 78th minute, Norwich had half a chance to equalise when Buendia’s free kick found Marko Vrancic but his flicked effort went wide.
Norwich pressed for an equaliser, but Watford fought hard and managed to hold on for all three points in the end which puts them four points clear of the relegation area.
It was the Hornets’ first win since the restart and now will hope Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United can do them a favour on Thursday night by beating Bournemouth and Aston Villa respectively.
Watford’s next game is at home to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon (July 11).
Image courtesy of Watford FC
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