Blackburn boss John Eustace criticised referee Darren England for making a “disappointing” penalty decision that he claimed handed Watford a 1-0 Sky Bet Championship victory.
Defender Dominic Hyam blasted a close-range first-half effort against the underside of the bar and veteran Andreas Weimann was at fault in the second half when he somehow managed to lift the ball onto the roof of the net.
Edo Kayembe then sent Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears the wrong way in the 71st minute after Ryan Hedges was penalised by England for handball.
Former Watford captain Eustace, whose current team remain without an away win this season, said: “I was so disappointed to lose on a really poor decision from the referee.
“I’ve seen it a number of times. I think it is a really poor decision.
“Ryan had his hands a little bit high but the ball has come off the lad’s back and hit his hand. Our lad wasn’t even looking at the ball. It is a poor decision that has cost us three points.
“I thought it was a very, very, good performance. With and without the ball we were very good. We had spells where we kept possession really well and had a few good chances.
“We had the best two chances of the game, which we have got to put away, with Andy and Dominic.
“We limited a really good team at home to next to nothing. You know, a bit of pressure which is fine but again we defended very well.”
Watford are unbeaten in 12 league and cup matches at home since Tom Cleverley took over and the boss explained that Kayembe was fourth-choice penalty taker, with Tom Dele-Bashiru out injured and replacement Tom Ince already subbed.
Cleverley said: “I’d like to think we leave no stone unturned but today we did. We didn’t have a backup penalty taker. So I thought Moussa Sissoko took control of the situation fantastically well.
“He got the ball and came to me and asked my advice. My first choice was a player who is massively confident for us at the minute but he didn’t want to take the penalty so number two took it and that was Edo and he dispatched it.
“It was better than I could have done it. I remember missing one in the last minute at Goodison Park and completely folded.”
Of Eustace’s complaints about the handball decision, Cleverley said: “We’re rolling back the years a bit to 15 years ago to this day I was probably watching John Eustace hammer a referee, so things don’t change.”
Cleverley, after suffering two defeats in a week before facing Blackburn, was also boosted by a giant flag in his support unveiled by some home fans.
He said: “Being a born and bred northerner, and being adopted as ‘one of your own’ to the point there is a banner in The Rookery for me, it make you feel pride, emotional. I am glad the players could repay them with a win today.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today.Poor Man Utd Napoli step up talks over Darwin Nunez deal Man City's Cherki wants Man Utd revenge This is why Trent can speak Spanish How are there 2 Mbappes? Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t retiring anytime soon. This is what football is all about. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
Ruben Amorim and Manchester United might have an advantage in the race for Frankfurt's standout attacker Hugo Ekitike as he attracts Prem interestMan Utd might have an advantage in the race for Hugo EkitikeManchester United might have an advantage in the race for Frankfurt standout Hugo Ekitike.The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with United, Chelsea and ...
KYLE WALKER has agreed to join Everton on a one-year deal. The England right-back has been locked in talks with Toffees chiefs since his return from his loan spell at AC Milan. Kyle Walker is bringing the curtain down on his glorious Man City careerEverton and current club Manchester City will now thrash out whether it is a permanent deal or just a 12-month loan while he sees out the remainder of ...
Chelsea have enquired about Lyon sensation Malick Fofana as they continue to look for Jadon Sancho's replacement.Chelsea eye move for Lyon's FofanaBlues looking for Sancho's replacementChelsea face LAFC in Club World Cup on MondayWHAT HAPPENED?Per The Athletic, the Blues have made a verbal enquiry about 20-year-old Lyon winger Fofana as they look to bolster their squad in the summer transfer windo...
Everton keen to rival Fenerbahce for WalkerPer journalist Mike McGrath, Everton have shown interest in signing Kyle Walker after the Manchester City star failed to secure an AC Milan move.Last week, reports emerged in the Turkish media that Fenerbahce are keen on signing the veteran full-back as Jose Mourinho is aiming to bolster his squad ahead of the new season. Fenerbahce have even formally sub...
Arsenal, Man Utd ask Real Madrid to name Brahim priceArsenal and Manchester United have sounded out Real Madrid over a price for Brahim Diaz.The former Manchester City midfielder has attracted enquiries from both Premier League giants, says Okdiario.For his part, Brahim is settled in Madrid, though there is concern inside his camp over the imminent arrival of Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.Th...
DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB LeipzigCelta Vigo have signed permanently Iliax Moriba from RB Leipzig.The midfielder had spent last season on-loan with Celta, which have now decided to sign him permanently from RBL for a fee of €6m.Celta announced today: "RC Celta has exercised the purchase option agreed upon last summer with RB Leipzig and has completed its second sign...
Japhet Tanganga's Millwall contract includes a modest £1.2m release clause (Image: Getty)Crystal Palace are interested in signing Japhet Tanganga from south London rivals Millwall. But the Eagles' pursuit of the defender will depend on the sale of Marc Guehi, who is once again attracting interest from some of the Premier League's top sides.Tanganga has spent the past 18 months at The Den, ini...
Andre Onana is set to remain Man Utd's starting goalkeeper (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)Andre Onana is poised to remain as Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper next season. Despite the Reds' boss Ruben Amorim desiring a new No. 1, seeking a replacement for Onana isn't high on the agenda as United focus on revamping a squad that ended up in 15th place last season.United had an...
Jack Grealish has been left out of Man City's Club World Cup squad (Image: Getty)Liverpool could play an important role in saving Jack Grealish from his Manchester City nightmare this summer. The former Aston Villa talisman has been left out of Pep Guardiola's Club World Cup squad and put up for sale, with City hoping to recoup some of the £100million they paid four years ago, or at least eas...
- 1 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 2 PSG vs Atletico Madrid Prediction 16 June 2025
- 3 Laura Woods gives update on post-pregnancy body
- 4 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 5 DONE DEAL: Marseille confirm CJ Egan-Riley signing from Burnley
- 6 'If you want to understand, it's really obvious' – USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino responds to Christian Pulisic, eager to move past off-field drama
- 7 Tottenham make 'mega £70m bid for Bryan Mbeumo' as Man Utd fear hijack
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Liverpool are spending big
- 10 Portugal and France play out draw to start U21 Euro campaign