In form Ighalo scores last gasp winner for Watford

A last minute Odion Ighalo winner handed Watford all three points against 10-man Brentford, a win that saw the Hornets leapfrog the Bees into fifth place in the Sky Bet Championship. In what could prove a vital three points in the race for promotion, the in-form Ighalo bagged both goals to peg Mark Warburton’s men back from their 1-0 lead. Jake Bidwell received his marching orders late in the first half for a dangerous tackle on Miguel Layun, but the Bees weren’t deterred, taking a 53rd minute lead through Andre Gray. Troy Deeney missed a Watford penalty shortly after, but two Ighalo goals in the final 22 minutes spared the Hornets’ blushes, the Nigerian’s 10th and 11th in just seven incredible league games. Watford head coach Slavisa Jokanovic was understandably happy with the teams win, but also highlighted that there is room for improvement. He said: “I have to make a balance because of course I am very happy with the result but only happy with some parts of what I saw. “We didn’t show our personality early enough in the game. “Brentford never play the ball long, but because of having 10 men they had to do this sometimes and it caused us difficulties. “For the final five minutes of the first half and the first five minutes of the second half, I thought maybe they had one more man with the way the game was. “But then, after their goal, we brought our quality to the match, dominated the ball, made many chances, scored two goals and, in my opinion, deserved to take the three points.” Hornets match winner Ighalo was modest about his performance and praised his teammates. He said: “I wouldn’t say I’m the main man, it’s all about teamwork and without my teammates I can’t score the goals, so credit goes to the team for the great win tonight. “It’s an important three points, it doesn’t matter how we played – it’s better that we play bad and win than play good and lose. “Every game in this Championship is difficult; we just need to keep on getting the three points.” Pictures courtesy of Alan Cozzi