Watford claim first win of season as Odion Ighalo strike downs Swansea
Watford 1 - 0 SwanseaOdion Jude Ighalo 59
Watford secured their first Premier League victory of the season thanks to a gritty display against a strangely listless Swansea City at Vicarage Road.
The win, which ended Swansea’s undefeated start to the campaign, arrived courtesy of a 59th-minute effort from Odion Ighalo, who grabbed his second goal of the season with a clean strike, after being set up by Troy Deeney.
But Watford were made to sweat for their success when, five minutes later, midfielder Valon Behrani was sent off for an apparent stamp on Swansea winger André Ayew.
The teams could not have made more contrasting starts to the season. Watford, back in the Premier League after an eight-year absence, had not won in their opening five games in all competitions. In their four league games, they had scored only twice – and not in their previous three.
Swansea, who finished a best-ever eighth in the top flight last season, were unbeaten in their five matches in all competitions and had scored in every game.
Form suggested that Swansea should dictate the early proceedings, but Watford were quick to prove otherwise. They launched wave after wave of attack on the Swansea goal and, though their final pass often lacked precision, they still carved out a series of half-chances.
Ikechi Anya, used as a marauding left -back, was particularly effective and, when Swansea failed to properly clear his deep cross, centre-back Sebastian Prodl drove narrowly wide.
Deeney, scorer of 21 goals last season but firing blanks this time around, saw a fierce shot blocked and then Almen Abdi’s powerful effort was deflected for a corner.
Little was seen of Swansea going forward, a rare foray into enemy territory ending with Bafétimbi Gomis almost adding to his four-goal tally for the campaign. Yet although his shot from the edge of the home area was straight and true, goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes made a fine save to snuff out the danger.
Still Watford probed, with José Manuel Jurado always to the fore.
Deeney wriggled through the Swansea defence, but his attempt flew off target and Ighalo breezed past Kyle Naughton, only to be denied by goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski at his near post.
Swansea remained strangely subdued in the second half, too. Watford forced the pace from the off with Abdi, Deeney and Ighalo all wasting potential openings. However, in the 59th minute, their efforts were finally rewarded.
Deeney nodded the ball over the top of the Swansea cover and Ighalo took precise aim before volleying past the helpless Fabianski.
The home fans were ecstatic at the breakthrough, but, five minutes later, they were bemoaning the foolishness of one of their players. Behrami stupidly launched into a high challenge on Ayew and, in the process, appeared to stamp on the Swansea forward. He was immediately shown the red card by referee Bobby Madley.
The contest became niggly thereafter but Watford, despite their numerical disadvantage, held on relatively comfortably for their first win.
And thoroughly deserved it was, too.
Guardian