MX23RW : Friday, April 26 06:08:57| >> :600:400762:400762:
Apr 20, 2019 at 3pm UK at ​John Smith's Stadium
Attendance: 23,957
HuddersfieldHuddersfield Town
1-2
Watford
Grant (93')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Deulofeu (5', 80')

Will Hughes thankful that Gerard Deulofeu "magic" bailed out under-par Watford

Hughes thankful that Deulofeu
© Reuters
The Spaniard's double ensured the Hornets kept up their pursuit of a seventh-placed finish.

Will Hughes saluted match-winner Gerard Deulofeu for making the difference for below-par Watford in their 2-1 win at Huddersfield.

Deulofeu gave the Hornets a flying start with a superb opener before his 11th goal of the season – and fourth in his last two appearances – sealed the points deep in the second half.

Javier Garcia's side were made to work hard for all three points at the John Smith's Stadium and Karlan Grant headed Huddersfield's stoppage-time consolation.

"We weren't at our best, we weren't at the level we should be, but it helps when we've got players like Deulofeu on the team who can do a bit of magic and finish the game for us," Hughes told Press Association Sport.

"We've got to be better than that, but Huddersfield gave it everything. They're relegated and have nothing to lose, but we've got to improve going forward."

Deulofeu's opener was reminiscent of his brilliant first goal for Watford in their FA Cup semi-final win against Wolves earlier this month.

Abdoulaye Doucoure was denied by Terence Kongolo's last-ditch tackle and Deulofeu struck from the rebound, taking his time to pick his spot and curl home a fine finish inside the far post.

"He's got an interesting technique and when he connects with it it's really nice to see," Hughes said.

"It's not an easy technique to perfect and it doesn't often go wrong for him to be fair. He's been brilliant again and proved his worth to us."

Watford are on course to achieve their highest-ever Premier League finish and take on Manchester City next month in the FA Cup final.

"It couldn't be going much better at the moment," Hughes added. "The FA Cup final at Wembley and seventh place, which I think is the highest we can be – the best of the rest.

"There's a big gap between seventh place and the top six, so that's our aim, to finish as high as possible and not take our eye off that. The final is not a distraction."

Huddersfield have lost 11 of their 12 games under boss Jan Siewert, while their 14th home defeat of the season equalled Sunderland's unwanted Premier League record set in 2002/03 and 2004/05.

The Terriers' fans continued to do all they could to lift their relegated side and forward Elias Kachunga said he has been surprised by their fervent support.

"Yeah, of course," Kachunga said. "But the supporters are not stupid. They know where we have come from.

"We tried to give everything, especially in the second half. They saw it on the pitch. This is why they are staying behind us.

"When they see we don't give everything on the pitch, then they don't give this atmosphere. Well done again to the supporters. They gave us massive support again and we are thankful for that."


Click here for more stories about Gerard Deulofeu

Click here for more stories about Huddersfield Town

Share this article now:
Javi Gracia in charge of Watford on February 2, 2019
Read Next:
Gracia "happy" with Watford's rise to seventh
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City35292489226789
2Liverpool35277179205988
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs352311165353070
4Chelsea35207859382167
5Arsenal35206969462366
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd35197963501364
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35149124443151
8Watford35148135050050
9Everton35147145044649
10Leicester CityLeicester35146154847148
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham35127164454-1043
12Crystal Palace35126174348-542
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle35118163544-941
14Bournemouth35125184962-1341
15Burnley35117174462-1840
16Southampton35910164158-1737
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3597193254-2234
18Cardiff CityCardiff3594223065-3531
RFulham3565243376-4323
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3535272069-4914

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account