Pearson delight as Welbeck eases tension

WATFORD manager Nigel Pearson was pleased for Danny Welbeck after his wonder goal boosted the Hornets’ survival chances with victory over fellow strugglers Norwich.

Welbeck capitalised on a deflected cross to hit an incredible overhead kick as Pearson’s side came from a goal down to secure their first win since the Premier League restart.

The Canaries have now lost all six of their matches following the resumption. Emi Buendia scored Norwich’s first goal since February 29 inside the first five minutes, but that was quickly cancelled out by a Craig Dawson header.

Welbeck then put his side ahead with his first Premier League goal for Watford since he signed for the club in the summer.

When asked whether the goal would give the 29-year-old confidence, Pearson said: “(Yes), hopefully for him, on a personal level. He deserves it.

“He’s been very patient, he’s worked exceptionally hard to get match-fit. I’m really pleased for him, he’s a great lad as well.”

The result leaves the Hornets four points clear of the relegation zone with four games left to play to ensure their top-flight safety.

On whether the three points would give Watford breathing space, the manager said: “No, not breathing space. It’s an important win in the context that we’ve been unable to find a win so far.

“It’s not been easy to acclimatise, but it’s a very important win for us. But we’ve now got four more games in which we need to pick up points to keep ourselves up,” added the Watford boss.

Daniel Farke’s side, meanwhile, sit firmly rooted to the bottom of the table with relegation all but assured.