Watford have been in a rut ever since the start of 2016, with the Londoners picking up just one win in their last five outings Such form has seen them slip to 12 in the table, and in danger of undoing all their impressive performances from the opening half to the campaign. Nevertheless, neither side created much in the first half.
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Steve McClaren’s side were beaten 2-1 by Watford, with the game underlining the need for more reinforcements in this month’s transfer window.
The 26-year-old striker will go ahead to assist the second for his team in the 58 minute with a nice touch to Cathcart who made no mistake from close range. At the other end Ighalo twisted one way and the other before his fierce shot was well saved by Elliot.
A unsafe pass from Etienne Capoue then allowed Moussa Sissoko to snatch possession and feed Georginio Wijnaldum but the Dutchman could not decide whether to cross or shoot and ended up dragging the ball wide.
46′ – GOAL! Watford 1-0 Newcastle.
The Magpies head for Watford this afternoon knowing only a victory will lift them out of the relegation zone, with Swansea City sitting a point better off and with a superior goal difference.
Two weeks after losing here by a single goal in the FA Cup Newcastle returned for a game that saw 10 alterations to those starting line-ups, two different formations and even a new pitch but still brought the same unhappy outcome.
Watford are also due a bit of luck here having lost two games at home to Tottenham and Manchester City that they deserved more from, the thing about the Premier League though is if you dont take your chances you get punished.
United were struggling to convert their possession and chances into goals.
Newcastle however reduced the deficit through Lascelles from a Jonjo Shelvey corner.
They have conceded a league-high seven goals from outside the penalty area in the Premier League this season.
Was Odion Ighalo offside?
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Troy Deeney seized on a misjudged backpass from Wijnaldum to book Watford a place in the competition’s fourth round. “Obviously I prefer to play on the wing and that is my natural position but if I have to do it, I have to do it”. Deeney is known for his energy and commitment, but he offered intelligent movement and shrewd passing for the second half.
