October 23, (THEWILL) – Watford came back from two goals down to beat Everton 5-2 at Goodison Park, giving Claudio Ranieri his first win as the Hornets manager.
With just two minutes on the clock, Everton took the lead when Anthony Gordon drove into midfield and released Demarai Gray, who made his way to the byline and found Tom Davies to tap home.
As Rafael Benitez’s side looked for a second goal, Andros Townsend’s speculative effort was parried by Ben Foster, and Gordon’s header from the resulting rebound sailed just wide.
Josh King got on the end of a stray free-kick for Watford, but the flag was up. Fortunately, the goal was upheld after a VAR check revealed Gray was playing the Norway international onside.
Everton attempted to reassert their dominance, but Watford proved difficult to break down again. Gordon was brought down in the penalty area by Juraj Kucka, but appeals for a penalty kick were turned down.
As the visitors made life difficult for Everton, King was denied a second goal from close range on the hour mark by a brilliant low save by Jordan Pickford.
However, just seconds after coming on, Richarlison put the hosts back in front with a diving header to meet Michael Keane’s cross.
Watford, on the other hand, had plenty left in the tank, as Kucka rose highest from a Juan Hernandez corner to equalise, and King grabbed his brace almost immediately after a quick counter.
Soon after, Pickford was at full stretch to deny the Nigerian international Emmanuel Dennis, but he was helpless when Everton switched off, allowing King to waltz in behind and complete his hat trick. In stoppage time, Dennis got the goal he deserved as Watford ran riot and deservedly won at Goodison Park.
The rout helped Watford move up to 14th place in the premier league. They play Southampton at home next. It is Everton’s second consecutive loss and they remain in eighth place. They will face Wolverhampton Wanderers next.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
