HORNETS GET RICH
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NATHANIEL CHALOBAH reckons it doesn’t matter if Richarlison can’t speak a word of English.
The Brazilian stole the show against Bournemouth, claiming the opening goal.
He gave Adam Smith a torrid time – at one point flicking the ball over the defender’s head before nut-megging him in one swift move.
And Watford team-mate Chalobah insists if Richarlison lets his silky skills do the talking, it won’t matter if he doesn’t know the lingo.
“You can see he’s a very talented lad,” he said. “He’s only been with us a couple of weeks, and the language barrier is difficult, but he speaks fluent football and everyone in the team can understand him in that regard.
“It’s pretty easy playing with him and we’re all delighted that he’s got himself a goal.
“Everyone was impressed by his skill and, as players, there’s nothing more we can do besides applauding it. It’s so good to watch.”
The Hornets dominated the match and Richarlison was on hand to get the goal his performance deserved when he prodded in from close range in the 73rd minute after Andre Gray’s cross was parried to him.
Fluffed
Second-half substitute Etienne Capoue killed off any chance of the Cherries making a late comeback when he smashed in from 25 yards with three minutes to go.
Chalobah missed a handful of opportunities but is convinced goals will eventually come his way too.
The ex-Chelsea midfielder said: “Sometimes you get chances in a game and it doesn’t happen for you once or a second time, but you have to keep going. I got in some good positions and fluffed them.
“When I was clean through, Asmir Begovic read me a little bit because he obviously knows me from our time at Chelsea. If I get another chance like that next week, I’m sure I’ll put it away.”
Bournemouth’s Jermain Defoe was brought on with 30 minutes to go but struggled to make an impact and afterwards revealed manager Eddie Howe knew he was itching to start the game.
Defoe, 34, said: “Everybody wants to play and I think the manager knows I’m ready. It’s a long season and we just need a goal. When we get that first goal, it builds confidence, even if you are the best team in the
world.” BOURNEMOUTH (4-4-1-1): Begovic 6; A Smith 4, Cook 5, Ake 7, Daniels 5; Fraser 6, Surman 6, ARTER 7, Ibe 5 (Pugh 60, 5); King Afobe 6; 6 (Defoe 60, 5). Subs: Boruc, B Smith, Mings, Gosling, Mousset. UP NEXT: Birmingham (a), Carabao Cup, tomorrow. WATFORD (4-2-3-1): Gomes 6; Femenia 6, Prodl 7, Britos 6, Holebas 6; Doucoure 7, Chalobah 7 (Watson 90); Amrabat 6 (Kabasele 82), Cleverley 7, RICHARLISON 8 (Capoue 80); Gray 6. Subs: Pantilimon, Hughes, Okaka, Deeney. UP NEXT: Bristol City (h), Carabao Cup, tomorrow. Referee: Roger East 7. YOUR TURN: Which Italian defender was sent off for Watford in the first minute of their last defeat at Bournemouth, a 2-0 Championship loss in January 2015?