Ben Watson scored the winner, but it was Heurelho Gomes who was the real hero after saving two penalties to ensure Watford rejoin the Premier League winner’s circle.
The Hornets secured their first win in seven games thanks to a 27th minute goal from Watson, and some goalkeeping mastery from Gomes. The winning goal came from an Adlene Guedioura corner, flicking the ball past West Brom custodian Ben Foster. While it was Watson who gave Watford the lead, it was Gomes who stole the show, saving not one, but two penalty shots from Saido Berahino.
The victory puts Watford on 41 points, now above the coveted ‘40 point safety net’ and all but securing them from relegation. It was also a much needed confidence boost before they head to Wembley next week, where they take on Crystal Palace in an FA Cup semi-final.
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Ighalo still out of form
Odion Ighalo is still struggling in 2016, having not netted a goal since 23rd January against Newcastle. His scoreless run will have manager Quique Flores worried. Starting the season with 14 goals from 24 appearances, his record has now stretched out to 14 from 34 outings. While on a drought in the league, Ighalo has at least scored in the last two FA Cup matches, and will look to continue the trend against Palace next weekend.
Watson nets crucial goal
Watson now has two goals to his name this Premier League season. The first came against Manchester City in a 2-1 defeat, so his second being a match winner will have put a smile on his and Flores’ faces. Earlier this month, the manager called upon his team to help out the struggling forwards, Troy Deeney and Ighalo, so he will be happy to see Watson paying attention.
Gomes under the spotlight
Sure, Watson took the Hertfordshire club over the line, but it was their goalkeeper Gomes who was the real star of the show, saving two penalty attempts, both from Berahino, to keep a clean sheet and ensure a win for the Hornets. He may have given the first penalty away, but made amends by saving the shot, before stopping a second attempt by Berahino. Gomes also made two class saves in the first-half, thwarting attempts from Stephane Sessegnon and also denying Gareth McAuley
Watford all but safe
The win puts the Hornets on 41 points, above the 40 point safety net from relegation. It also means they can turn their focus back to their FA Cup semi-final meeting against Crystal Palace. Safety from the drop also relieves pressure from manager Quique Sanchez Flores. Three of the Hornets last four games are against clubs facing relegation – Norwich, Aston Villa, and Sunderland. Villa are going down, but Norwich and Sunderland are still fighting it out, so these matches will be testing.
Pardew observes from the stands
Crystal Palace manager, Alan Pardew, was at the Hawthorns to observe his opposition for his side’s meeting at Wembley next week. From what this display though, he may not be too worried, especially with Ighalo and Deeney still struggling to find the back of the net.
Hornets absorb pressure
The visitors were able to absorb a tremendous amount of pressure from the Baggies, with Gomes making a number of spectacular saves and stopping two penalties. It was the kind of defensive performance that they will be hoping to show next weekend in the FA Cup semi-final. While also absorbing pressure, the win relieves it too. Both for the squad, who were able to keep a clean sheet, and for manager Flores, who was starting to come under scrutiny.
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