Watford have momentarily climbed back into the top half of the table courtesy of a 2-1 win over struggling Newcastle United at Vicarage Road
The first half passed without any major incidents, with both sides enjoying a fairly equal share of possession. The only talking point came midway through the opening stanza when the hosts had a penalty appeal turned down after Etienne Capoue thought he was fouled by Rolando Aarons, however replays suggested Andre Mariner was correct to dismiss the appeal.
The Hornets found the breakthrough immediately after the restart, when Odion Ighalo latched onto a lovely chipped pass from strike partner Troy Deeney, who then rounded Rob Elliot before stroking the ball into the back of the net. It was somewhat controversial, as the Nigerian appeared to be marginally offside.
Ten minutes later, Watford doubled their lead after Newcastle failed to clear their lines. Amid the defensive scrap, Ighalo was able to poke the ball through to defender Craig Cathcart, who buried his chance from eight yards out.
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The Magpies, however, continued to fight on and were given a lifeline with 20 minutes to go after a Jonjo Shelvey corner was met by Jamaal Lascelles who headed home.
Despite the visitors’ push for an equaliser, it was not to be and Watford held on for the three points.
Watford claim a much needed three points
After an impressive run over late November and most of December, the Hornets had dropped off in recent weeks, losing four on the trot which perhaps had fans cautiously looking over their shoulder at the relegation battle. This is why this win is very, very big for Watford; the longer a winless run continues, the more psychologically damaging it can become. That win is sure to put to bed any feint relegation fears Watford might have had, with the club only needing eight more points from 15 matches to reach the magic 40 point mark – something which the club from Hertfordshire has never achieved in the Premier League era.
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Newcastle will need to rely on home form to stay up
The difference between the Magpies’ willingness to attack in their matches against Manchester United and West Ham in comparison with this match is there for all to see. At St James’ Park, the players are spurred on by the vocal home ground, but away from home, they clearly lack the impetus to grind out results. One player which typifies this argument is Georginio Wijnaldum. Although the Dutchman has been a handy player for the Toon, questions need to be asked as to why he keeps going unnoticed in away matches. Twelve points in upcoming matches against Bournemouth, West Brom, Sunderland and Swansea are absolutely essential for the Geordies.
Hornets set record, highlighting their progression
This is Watford’s third season in the Premier League. The previous two saw them make an instant return to the second tier, both times finishing on less than 30 points. While the win against Newcastle saw them eclipse the 30 points barrier, it was also the first time they ever completed a Premier League double (having won the reverse fixture 2-1 at St James’ Park in September). This league double over the Magpies, added to the FA Cup knockout, shows they seem to enjoy playing the Tyneside club, and with safety almost certain, the future looks bright at Vicarage Road.
The Magpies need to invest in the remainder of the window
For the last week, Newcastle have been heavily linked with English pair Andros Townsend and Saido Berahino, though deals on both players are stalling because the Magpies cannot agree a fee with Tottenham and West Brom respectively. After today’s lacklustre performance, it is clear they need to do everything they can to sign these two players. Right now they may seem like very expensive purchases, but failure to sign them could see the Magpies incur a much bigger cost in the form of relegation.
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