With seventh place on the line, Nuno Espirito Santo brought Wolves a step closer to European football with a 2-1 victory over Watford.
It was a rematch of the April 7th FA Cup semifinal, as Wolves visited Vicarage Road. Javi Gracia was positive ahead of the game, “Now I can feel my players are full of confidence because everybody knows it’s up to us.” The 3-2 come from behind victory, still fresh in all the player’s minds, as the game started rather sluggish.
Both teams set out not to lose, as Wolves got the first good chance with Diogo Jota playing in Leander Dendoncker into the 18-yard box, with a sharp cross to the middle of the goal. It was Etienne Capoue tracking back who got his foot on a Raul Jimenez touch to avert the first goal.
Moments later, Gerard Deulofeu had a chance to equalise but got the ball caught under his feet and the shot went begging. Wolves would capitalise ahead of the break, through Jota down the left, as he sent a ball into the 6-yard box that Jimenez was able to get a head on and past the diving Ben Foster to break the deadlock at 41 minutes and give Wolves a 1-0 lead into the break.
The second half saw Watford come out and control the game, having the better chances of the two clubs. Just four minutes in, Andre Gray pounced on a shot from Gerard Deulofeu that was parried by Rui Patricio, following it in to level Watford, 1-1. It would be an uncharacteristic error by Ben Foster, getting caught out on a Ruben Neves cross, as Jota volleyed home the game-winner.
Avoidable goals cost Watford
As it’s been much of the season, the Hornets have been their own undoing at the back. What looked like a much-improved defence over last season, has started to resemble a defence that conceded 64 goals last season.
While injuries were key to the performance of the defence last season, this season there have been momentary lapses and mistakes that have led to 18 errors, seven of which led to goals. Under Gracia, the Hornets have played better, but need to look at strengthening the back line.
Competition for Europe tightens
The victory for Espirito Santo puts his Wolves in sole possession of 7th in the league table on 54 points. The loss drops the Hornets to 10th remaining on 50 points.
Leicester’s 3-0 win at the King Power Stadium over Arsenal put them into contention for that final Europa League spot. Everton, in a patch of form, have put themselves in contention as well, tied with Watford on 50 points.
The final season standing could be irrelevant if Watford defeat Manchester City in the FA Cup Final on May 18. While it could be a tough call, the Hornets must put themselves into the best position possible with just two games remaining, at Chelsea and home to West Ham.
Wolves’ dynamic duo
It’s been an amazing year for Wolves, gaining promotion after winning the Championship last season. While most Premier League teams start with one forward, Nuno Espirito Santo can point to Wolves success with Raul Jimenez (14) and Diogo Jota (10) up top.
Throughout the season, this duo has scored 24 goals, besting Arsenal’s pairing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (12) and Alexandre Lacazette (9).
After the game Espirito Santo said, “We have achieved staying in the Premier League – no one has said that – and now we are going to be in the top half. Last season we were in the Championship. Competing in the Premier League is very hard, we must know were we came from.”
