After fighting to a close 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers, another Championship top-ten team, at Vicarage Road, Watford has resumed their winning ways.
In a game with few clear-cut opportunities, Edo Kayembe’s penalty in the second half—his fifth goal of the season—turned out to be the difference.
After the Hornets won five of their six home games this season, we’ve chosen five talking points.
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Comforts of home
Watford’s current travel sickness was made worse by the losses to Luton and Leeds, but a victory at home thanks to a second-half penalty from Kayembe gave them three more points.
Although the win guaranteed Tom Cleverley would remain undefeated as head coach at Vicarage Road, it was evidently crucial that the Hornets get back on track following a string of losses, regardless of the venue.
How did you think Watford’s performance was?
Keeping the adversary at bay
It has been over two months and ten league games since Watford last maintained a clean sheet in the Championship, so seeing the scoreboard read “0” against Blackburn this afternoon was a nice sight.
Lady Luck contributed to the Hornets’ strong defensive performance by giving them a significant break in the ninth minute when Dominic Hyam struck the crossbar and post with a single effort and Rovers had a bad day in front of goal.
How did you feel about the Hornets’ defensive performance?An increase in self-assurance?
As anticipated, Cleverley stayed with Dan Bachmann in goal following his terrifying ten-minute performance at Elland Road on Tuesday. However, for a brief moment, it appeared as though the goalie would be holding his hands up once more after he tensely pushed a low cross back into the centre of the penalty area during the first ten minutes.
Although it was highly likely that Hyam would score, fate determined that his shot should strike nearly every aspect of the goal except the net this time.
After handling Makhtar Gueye’s subsequent header, Bachmann played a comparatively trouble-free game, helping to clinch the three points and a clean sheet, both of which should boost his confidence.
How did you think the Watford goalie performed?
Maintaining composure
The focus soon shifted to who would be responsible for the penalty kick in Tom Dele-Bashiru’s absence after Ryan Hedges handled in the 18-yard box to give Watford a penalty.
After Kayembe put the ball on the spot, referee Darren England made the midfielder wait for at least a minute while he made sure all the other players were out of the area.
A player may become agitated by such a delay, but Kayembe maintained his composure and calmly directed goalkeeper Aynsley Pears in the incorrect direction to score the game-winning goal.
To what extent did Kayembe’s handling of the issue impress you?
Quick Festy
Festy Ebosele kept his spot in the starting lineup after making an impression in the loss against Leeds, and he more than earned it with a performance that won him man-of-the-match.
The wing-back’s attacking abilities were the main attraction in the first half; Owen Beck was left reeling after one incredibly quick raid to latch onto a Giorgi Chakvetadze pass, and the highlight was probably a cross that gave Kwadwo Baah a chance. However, after the interval, his game was more about defence as he helped hold Rovers at bay.
Did you also have Ebosele as your man of the match?
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