Head coach Tom Cleverley lauded four-goal Vakoun Bayo after Watford climbed into the top six of the Championship with a stunning 6-2 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.
Michael Smith quickly cancelled out Ryan Porteous’ opener before penalties from Tom Ince and Bayo put Watford in the driving seat.
Bayo bagged his second and claimed the match ball either side of Pol Valentin’s reply for the Owls and then claimed his fourth in the closing stages.
Cleverley said: “Bayo fully deserved his four goals. I couldn’t be more pleased for an individual; his unselfish play doesn’t generate the most praise but we really appreciate it.
“We want to create a mentality where we’re confident we can deal with big expectations and compete at the right end of the table.
“It’s not been as shocking as it may look on paper with our away form this year. We’ve just had three really poor performances in a tough run of games.
“The fans have travelled in their numbers again and they really deserve it. We’ve had some bad away results and hopefully after today we can move on from those.
“We’ll recover from today and get back to work. We’re pleased with the win but now we’ve got to go to Swansea on Tuesday and back it up.”
Cleverley added: “If there is a negative I’d say we didn’t play our best football in the first half and we need to address that. We conceded from two crosses and we have to work on defending our box.
“I think we rode a few storms and Wednesday had the better of the game in the first half. I could easily be sat here having a more negative interview.
“We generally improved our play in the second half. I thought we took control of the ball and showed our class as individuals and as a team.
“We were organised and showed good structure. In possession we were fantastic. We looked confident and connected on the ball whilst showing real quality in the final third.”
Wednesday boss Danny Rohl was left stunned by his side’s second-half collapse.
Rohl said: “The players and I have a mixed feeling of shock and disappointment because we’ve improved so much in our last few games.
“In the first half we were in a good way, we moved the ball well and created lots of chances.
“I think if you asked the crowd at half-time they would have said they were happy with the performance. I was convinced we could go on and win.
“There were just six minutes between the two penalties which really knocked us back. We tried to get men forward but we lost our structure when we tried to come back into the game.
“We have never had 45 minutes of football like we had today. Watford had seven shots on target and scored six goals which for me is very hard to take.
“We allowed them to show their individual talent in the second half and we allowed so many easy situations against us which I find really disappointing.
“We are struggling to get results at home whether we perform well or not and of course we will work our hardest to change this.
“It’s difficult but we can’t get stuck on today. We will recover in the next days and then we have another tough game against Norwich on Tuesday.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest Leicester 1-2 Chelsea Pray for City! Club football is back Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo When you order Jack Grealish on Wish This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
The France striker has been linked with Manchester United in recent days.And as he battles to work his way into Chelsea's starting XI this season, Nkunku is said to be considering his options.United and PSG have both been linked with the striker.But the Athletic says Chelsea have ruled out parting with Nkunku in January....
Diomande has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.Andersen coached the defender with Midtjylland U19s and told O Jogo: “I can understand that there is a lot of enthusiasm around Diomande and that big clubs are after him, because he has been very well. "They're crazy values, you've reached a point where you start to wonder if they belong there. I talk to...
Trivela says Real are considering a move for the Brazilian veteran in January.Real management recognise the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a massive void, which has led to discussions about bringing Casemiro back to the club.It's believed Casemiro would have a big impact on the pitch and in the dressing room at Real, which are struggling for consistency this season.The 32 year-old left Real for...
Arsenal and Liverpool to lock horns in January for ZubimendiReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on rivalling the Merseyside club for his signature. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are preparing a second bid for the standout player, with a January transfer seen as a strong possibility. They are determined to land Zu...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Jack Grealish joked about Pep Guardiola's reaction if he went on I'm a Celeb this year Man City vs Spurs this weekend… Cristiano Ronaldo Mudryppe Throw back to the most crazy substitution in football history... Kylian Mbappe vs Tree When everyone keeps calling you a one season wonder but you're just a chill guy. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will...
Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim's teamThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a "radical" move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some "hard ...
The center half is one of the most sought after young talents in the world at present.Per football.london, both Arsenal and United are keen to sign him in the summer.However, the source states that United are very much in the ascendancy in this respect.Having hired Ruben Amorim, who was previously Diomande's manager at Sporting CP, gives them a big edge.Diomande may also base his decision on wheth...
Javier Mascherano is set to become the new head coach of Inter Miami in the upcoming days as the two parties finalize contract negotiations, sources have confirmed to ESPN.Mascherano will leave his post as manager of Argentina's youth team to lead Lionel Messi and the Herons throughout the 2025 campaign. He replaces Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who exits the club after a year and a half due to personal...
Kolo Muani Linked with January Premier League LoanParis Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani could secure a temporary move to the Premier League in January, according to Caught Offside. The French international, who has faced limited playing opportunities this season, is attracting interest from several English clubs. West Ham United and Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race for Kolo...
- 1 I am not a lunatic – Craig Bellamy glad to show different side in Wales dugout
- 2 Roy Keane’s daughter pictured with Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time
- 3 Johnnie Jackson bemoans refereeing decisions after dramatic Dons draw
- 4 Ex-Prem ace asked Liverpool star for his sister's phone number
- 5 Liam Cullen leads Wales to Nations League promotion
- 6 Daily Laugh - Antony and his latest ManUtd session
- 7 Andy Robertson marks 80th Scotland cap with stoppage-time winner in Poland
- 8 Harry Kane’s ‘fugly’ £7,200 statue branded ‘stuff of nightmares’ unveiled
- 9 Mascherano nears Miami; Martino exits
- 10 Daily Laugh - Trossard suffers an injury