Troy Deeney’s second-half cameo claimed all three points for Watford on their travels to the Bet365 Stadium

Troy Deeney claimed a goal and an assist in what was a Man of the Match display which helped Watford seal a 2-1 victory over Play-Off pushing Stoke City

Xisco Munoz side took the lead in the second half through club captain Troy Deeney who stepped up to blast home yet another penalty for Watford. This is the Englishman’s sixth goal of the season, five in which have been dispatched from the spot.

The Hornets were able to double their lead four minutes later as Deeney this time slipped hot starlet Ismaila Saar through on goal as he tucked his effort into the bottom right-hand corner from a tight angle.

Stoke were unable to mount a late charge for a point despite Steven Fletcher scoring with seven minutes to go halving the deficit but it was too late for the home side to mount a comeback.

The two sides met earlier in the year, which saw Watford narrowly beat Stoke 3-2 after a last gasp strike by Sarr in the 93rd minute sealing all three points. Since then, Watford have employed a new head coach, Xisco in the bid to ensure promotion back to the Premier League.

Stoke started the game on the front as they penned Watford into their half mounting attack after attack. Debutant Jack Clarke looked bright on the right-hand side as he asked questions of the Hornets defence on multiple occasions.

The 20-year old came close for Michael O’Neill’s side when he looked to side foot his effort into the bottom left corner but Adam Masina’s outstretched leg was enough to divert his effort behind for a corner.

On the half-hour mark, Nathaniel Chalobah and Will Hughes exchanged passes for Watford as the pair created a wonderful opening. Chalobah looked to finish the move at the front post but it was palmed away for a goal kick.

Moments later, Watford were denied what looked like a blatant penalty when Rhys Norrington-Davies grappled Masina to the ground, referee David Webb was unfazed by any claims made.

Watford grew in confidence and started to put the Potters under pressure but was unable to challenge keeper Josef Bursik. Sam Clucas came close when he hooked his effort over the bar from James McLean’s free-kick as the half came to a close.

Kiko Femenia had a lapse of concentration at the start of the second half as he saw his back pass latched onto by Nick Powell. The Potters striker did incredibly well to dig out a cross which found Joe Allen, the Welshman’s effort was at a comfortable height for Daniel Bachmann despite being at full stretch to deny Stoke the lead.

Captain Deeney started a move which saw the Hornets take the lead just after the hour mark. The veteran striker picked the ball up in the middle of the park scooping the ball over the Stoke defence to an incoming Sarr forcing an excellent save from Bursik.

The rebound found Joao Pedro who was instantly caught by the 20-year old goalkeeper as Webb this time pointed to the spot. Deeney, who was a focal point of the build-up to the penalty, smashed the ball down the right-hand side of the goal giving Bursik no chance of keeping his effort out.

When in doubt… blast it ? #EFL | @WatfordFC pic.twitter.com/C4yIMtC46c

— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) January 22, 2021

Four minutes later, Sarr doubled the visitors lead when he picked out the bottom right corner of the goal. Deeney turned provider for the second as he slipped Saar in behind the right-hand side of the Stoke defence. The two goals highlighted the quality in the Watford squad despite being dominated in the first half.

Stoke had efforts of their own in the final 20 minutes as Clarke asked the question of back-up goalkeeper Bachmann when he struck the ball from the edge of the box in the bid to create a nervy end to the game.

Second-half substitute Steven Fletcher gave Stoke a lifeline when he made the game 2-1 after lifting the ball beautifully over Bachmann with a few minutes until the final whistle. The game petered out as chances came Stoke’s way near the end of the game.

Efforts from Powell and Harry Scouter were unable to faze the Watford goalkeeper as the game petered out with Watford claiming all three points away from home.

The result sees Xisco’s side climb above Brentford into third position on 46 points, level with Swansea City despite playing one more game than the Welsh side. Watford now shift their focus to Tuesday where they visit The Den, home of Millwall FC.

As for Stoke, they remain eighth on 37 points having played two more games in comparison to the teams around them. The Potters face a tough trip to Huddersfield Town next week as look to get back to winning ways after losing their last two games.

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