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Football

Sky Bet Championship: Watford 2-1 Norwich City

Imrân Louza and Keinan Davis scored in the first half to seal a 2-1 victory against Norwich City in an exciting Saturday evening Sky Bet Championship match at Vicarage Road.

Watford started the game with composure and desire, as Ismala Sarr was hauled down inside the area by Canaries’ Liam Gibbs, giving the Hornets a penalty kick. Despite being denied by an outstretched Angus Gunn from 12 yards, Louza used the disappointment as inspiration and volleyed in the opening seconds later.

Before the half-hour mark, the Hornets struck again, as a cool Davis drilled the ball into the bottom corner after Sarr’s mazy run created defensive disarray, allowing the forward to remain unmarked. However, right before the interval, Josh Sargent pulled the visitors back into contention by cutting the deficit to one.

The Canaries’ pressure continued in the second half, with captain Grant Hanley’s close-range drive clattering off the crossbar, but Watford’s work ethic and the arrival of fresh legs ensured that the Hornets could hang on to their slim advantage, gaining victory.

Following the 3-1 defeat against Blackpool, Watford Head Coach Slaven Bili made three changes. Captain Craig Cathcart, Yáser Asprilla, and Davis replaced Christian Kabasele, Edo Kayembe, and Vakoun Bayo. After missing the previous three games due to injury, Joo Pedro was also fit enough to sit on the bench.

The East Anglians were the first to have an attempt on goal, with Marcelino Nez firing wide from outside the area – a warning shot to start the proceedings for the visitors.

Watford quickly responded with their own firepower, as Davis twisted and spun in the area to create an opening after a nice through pass from Louza. The attacker hit a nice close-range shot, but Norwich City goalkeeper Gunn was able to push it aside for a corner.

The Hornets cleverly constructed the subsequent set-piece, with the ball falling to Sarr on the edge of the 18-yard box, but his curled attempt was comfortably plucked out of the air by Gunn.

The early Hornets pressure proved too much for Norwich, as Hassane Kamara and Sarr linked beautifully on the left side. Referee Darren England nodded to the spot after the Senegalese international was taken down within the area by 19-year-old Gibbs after handling the chipped through-ball.

Louza came up to take the penalty, but Gunn deflected his effort with a powerful left hand.

However, only minutes later, the Moroccan would not be denied a second time. Sarr, the winner of the penalty, produced a precise cross to the back post, and Louza calmly volleyed the ball into the far corner, racing out to celebrate with the Watford fans in the Sir Elton John Stand.

Kieran Dowell fired a strong attempt at Daniel Bachmann, but the Austrian was equal to the challenge and parried the ball away, with Max Aarons sending the recovered effort wide of the post.

Sarr, who was key in the first goal, was crucial again in the second as he rushed towards the left side of Norwich’s defence. After winning his duel with skill, the 24-year-old passed to Asprilla, who accidently found Davis, with Watford’s number seven displaying excellent calmness to pick out the bottom corner unopposed.

Norwich reacted just before the interval, with Sargent firing his team back into the game with a beautiful finish into the bottom corner. The American darted inside from the left wing and finished at Bachmann’s near post, giving the Canaries optimism going into the break.

The start of the second half saw Norwich continue to build on their strong first-half finish, as Sargent found the back of the goal once more. The assistant referee ruled the possible equaliser out for offside, much to Watford’s relief.

Following Kenny McLean’s effort hitting the side-netting, Norwich City’s attacking pressure increased as Hanley’s strike cannoned off the crossbar and away from danger.

To counter Norwich’s threat, Bili turned to his substitutes, bringing on Joo Pedro for his first appearance under the Head Coach.

The Brazilian’s initial touches would set up Sarr for an effort on Gunn’s goal, with the Norwich shot-stopper getting down well to deny the explosive Senegalese winger from adding a third goal for Watford.

While the visitors pressed for an equaliser, Bili’s Golden Boys stood firm as Hanley and others tried their luck in a late onslaught on Bachmann’s goal. Similarly, when the Hornets caught sight of a probable opportunity, Ken Sema forced a good save from Gunn.

Finally, Watford broke a two-game losing streak with a professional display against a high-flying Norwich City team.

 

Kajal S

Kajal S

kajal

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