There was once again misery again for Watford as they slipped to a fourth defeat in five games in the Premier League against a Sunderland side who registered their first win in three.
The game was full of half chances before the interval, however it was in the 49th minute of play that Sunderland were able to take the lead through Patrick van Aanholt. The build up to the goal began on the edge of the centre circle where Manchester United loanee Adnan Januzaj picked up the ball. The young Belgian shrouded off a catalogue of challenges from the Watford midfield before laying off the ball out-wide to Jermain Defoe who was able to feed in a low cross towards Van Aanholt. The Dutchman who had his back to goal quickly swivelled round and hit the ball towards the top left corner, before going over the line with the help of the post. This proved to be the winning goal of the game.
There was a glimpse of hope for the Hornets when Nordin Amrabat’s cross met Troy Deeney around the penalty spot, however the Englishman who was back in the side after being dropped in the week was unable to convert and headed the ball wide of the post.
For Sunderland, they were able to pick up what might prove to be a vital three points in the fight against relegation. Manager David Moyes said “we showed good fight” and the victory moves the Black Cats off the bottom of the Premier League and lifts them a point from a position of safety.
As for Watford it was a case of not taking their chances when in front of goal, and Manager Walter Mazzarri left The Stadium of Light frustrated saying in his post match interview he was “very angry because we made mistakes by ourselves”. Back to back defeats have meant that they drop to twelfth in the league.
Both sides face tough tests in their next fixtures with Sunderland traveling to Manchester United in what will be manager David Moyes’s return to Old Trafford and Watford hosting bitter rivals Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road. With the festive round of fixtures approaching, The Hornets will be aiming for a win, especially if they are to secure a top half finish come the end of the season.
Bailey Plaskow, Watford Weekly
