Penalty call haunts Hughes

cushioned by Evans’ outstanding form. He said: “I have been playing football a long time now. It feels really weird because you never do feel old but the lads keep reminding me I am 30 now. I have my 31st birthday coming up soon. I’m enjoying that role of being the experienced guy.”

Evans won the Premier League three times and League Cup twice at Old Trafford and now wants to add to his silverware collection. “The aim of the club is to get into Europe and push to get a trophy,” he said. “That is what a club like this should be aiming for.” WILL HUGHES has spoken out about the penalty incident which has driven Watford to distraction all week.

The Hornets were holding Liverpool 0-0 after 55 minutes when Hughes was caught in the box by Andy Robertson’s challenge, only for referee

Jon Moss to turn a blind eye.

Watford went on to lose 3-0 and midfielder Hughes, right, is still angry. “I spoke to him during the game,” said Hughes. “There was definite contact, it wasn’t a dive. If he did think I dived, he should have booked me.” Hornets manager Javi Gracia, consoled by a four-and-a-half year contract with an option for a further three, is determined not to let the second consecutive game in which his side has been denied a blatant spot-kick derail Watford’s season.

Gracia said: “I couldn’t believe it. I don’t have any doubt there was contact.” MIKE WALTERS