Prior to kick-off it was Watford who were making the headlines when manager Walter Mazzarri named a starting line-up featuring players of 11 different nationalities, but despite this Watford’s togetherness was clear.
However there was an early scare for Watford when in the 17th minute, a superb ball delivered by Gareth Barry from the centre circle put Romelu Lukaku through on goal to put Everton into the lead. The goal came as a relief to the Belgian as it ended a four game goal drought, but for the Watford supporters, they felt as if their side was in for another bad day at the office.
Faith was soon to be restored in this Watford side after an improvised piece of magic from striker Stefano Okaka. The Italian started the Watford attack when he picked up the ball by the centre circle and drove forwards before placing it wide towards the direction of Nodin Amrabat. The Moroccan who had arguably been the Hornets bright spark over the past few weeks fed a low ball into the box which was met by Okaka who backheeled it into the net. The goal was the Italians first in the Premier League since he scored for Fulham in May 2010, and put Watford back into the game at one all going into the break.
It was then in the 58th minute of the game that Jose Holebas assisted his first of two in the game. The Greek whipped in a fine cross from a free kick by the touch line which was met by the head of Sebastian Prodl who netted his first goal for the club, putting Watford into the lead with 30 minutes to play.
The goals weren't to stop there for the Hornets who took advantage of some slack Everton defending 4 minutes later. Again it was Holebas who curled in another high ball, this time from the corner spot. His cross was met by the head of striker Okaka who scored his second, wrapping up the game for Watford.
The Everton fans who had traveled 100 miles to attend todays game did have something to go home cheering about when Lukaku scored is second, five minutes from time. However, it was another defeat for Ronald Koeman’s side who are without a win in five league games. As for Watford, they registered their first win in three games and are up to seventh in the league.
In his post-match interview, Koeman said that “We need to improve and do better” and that will need to be the case if the Toffies are to come out on top in their next league game against Arsenal who currently sit at the top of the table.
The Hornets face a tough task when they travel to Manchester City on Wednesday and manager Walter Mazzarri will be looking for more of the same both from his players and the fans who he applauded at the end of the game saying “They were incredible. When we were losing, they were still chanting for us”.
Bailey Plaskow, Watford FC Weekly
