- Gomes shines between sticks for Hornets
- Ighalo and Deeney team up twice
- Magpies winless under McClaren
- Janmaat nets for Newcastle
Watford scored a pair of first-half goals, then held on for dear life in a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St. James Park on Saturday.
The Hornets got a brace from Odion Ighalo, who was twice set-up by captain Troy Deeney, and a strong performance from goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. Watford climbs into ninth place on nine points.
Newcastle remains firmly in the drop zone after another poor start, this time under Steve McClaren. Daryl Janmaat scored the lone Magpies goal.
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Daryl Janmaat was then nutmegged by Ighalo after the Newcastle defender allowed the Watford attack to set up back post in whatever fashion they liked. It was 1-0 after 10 minutes.
The Magpies should’ve answered three minutes later, when Florian Thauvin intercepted a wayword Hornets pass. Moussa Sissoko found Papiss Cisse, but the Senegalese striker hit a left-footed ball wide of the near post.
In truth, the home side was dominant in possession and chances. Some were thwarted by Heurelho Gomes, while others were just further proof of the Magpies’ missing finish.
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But Newcastle was messy at the back end, and Ighalo again took advantage when he slipped behind Chancel Mbemba to accept a Troy Deeney pass. 2-0.
On the other end, Gomes continually snared lofted crosses out of the air with great command of his 18.
Janmaat pulled one back for the Magpies with a half-hour to play, latching onto a loose ball and powering a shot inside the far post. Had the Magpies cracked Gomes’ shield? The keeper showed he was in control moments later when he dove to flick aside a strong Janmaat left-footer from outside the 18.