Match Report: Newcastle v Watford
Earlier today, Watford travelled up to Tyneside to play a Newcastle side bereft of confidence under new manager Steve McClaren, brining 2,000 supporters on the long journey up the M1.
All eyes were on Newcastle since it was a ‘must-win’ game for the Magpies after they were rooted at the bottom of the table before kick-off. However, it didn’t turn out the way they wanted as Watford simply brushed them aside for most of the game, eventually winning 2-1.
Watford started the match brightly, and Ighalo missed a fabulous chance on the volley at 6 minutes in, with his shot glancing narrowly wide, very much like the chance he had against Swansea, though instead he scored. This was a sign of things to come as Deeney’s and Ighalo’s link up play continued to blossom.
At 10 minutes, Ighalo scored his third goal of the season with a near post finish, after it looked as though the chance had initially gone. After Capoue fed the ball into the Nigerian international’s path, Ighalo cooly slotted the ball back onto his right foot and powerfully slotted it home.
At this point Watford were in cruise control, and Ighalo scored a second at 28 minutes in. At this point, it looked as though it was going to be a rout at St. James’ Park. Deeney fantastically controlled the ball after it was hoofed forward, with the big target man thereafter slotting Ighalo in after his intelligent run. The Nigerian then effortlessly ran around Tim Krul and slotted home from 6 yards out.
The Second half was very much the opposite, which was expected, since Newcastle had to break their goalscoring drought: McClaren flung players forward, with Watford very much defending deeper than in the first half.
Janmaat was having one of his better games in the Newcastle half, proving a menace for Ikechi Anya on the right flank. Flores eventually brought on Nathan Ake to provide Anya with more protection as the half dragged to a close. However, Janmaat eventually managed to pull one back for the Magpies with a close range finish to Gomes’ right at 62 minutes.
From then on, the game was played out in a nervy manner by Flores’ men, but it never looked as though they would truly give the game up. Deeney had a wonderful chance to make it 3-1 at 80 minutes, however Mbemba made a crucial interception to deny the Watford captain his first Premier League goal.
If I were to select a man of the match, it would have to be Odion Ighalo after his two goals secured Watford the points at St James’ Park. However, Allan Nyom at right back was outstanding, and is proving to be one of Watford’s buys of the summer, and it’s understandable how Barcelona were once interested in the Cameroonian’s services. Deeney also had an excellent game, providing Ighalo with the target man support he requires up front. Ben Watson was another player who impressed, replacing the suspended Valon Behrami.
Newcastle United: Krul: Janmaat, Mbema, Coloccini, Haidara (Aarons 79); Wijnaldum, Colback; Sissoko, Perez, Thauvin (Obertan 86); Cisse (De Jong HT).
Newcastle United substitutes: Elliot, Lascelles, Williamson, Anita.
Watford: Gomes; Nyom, Cathcart, Prödl, Anya (Ake 79); Capoue, Watson (Guedioura 86); Abdi (Berghuis 75) Deeney, Jurado; Ighalo.
Watford substitutes: Arlauskis, Hoban, Ibarbo, Diamanti.