Watford win as Schmeichel own goal sinks Leicester

(Reuters) - Watford snapped their four-game losing streak and celebrated their first Premier League win in seven matches after an own goal by keeper Kasper Schmeichel gave them a 2-1 home win over Leicester City on Tuesday.

Schmeichel made a simple mistake at the far post in the 65th minute as an Abdoulaye Doucoure cut-back from a tight angle came off his chest and trickled under him over the line, allowing the home side to complete their comeback after falling behind.

The result also ended Leicester’s seven-game unbeaten away run in the league and left their manager Claude Puel ruing lack of concentration at defending set pieces.

“It’s a story about free-kicks,” the Frenchman told the BBC. “Our first half was not bad with some quality and chances.

“In the second half it was more difficult. This result is a little harsh. It was not a bad game for us.”

Puel also refused to blame Schmeichel for Watford’s winning goal and criticised his players for ball-watching.

“All the team are responsible. It was difficult to defend against this team playing long balls and second balls.”

Leicester dominated the opening half as Shinji Okazaki came close with a header and Jamie Vardy missed a sitter before Riyad Mahrez fired the visitors ahead with a firm 37th-minute header from Marc Albrighton’s inch-perfect cross.

Watford looked rattled but levelled against the run of play on the stroke of halftime as Mali defender Molla Wague scored in his first Premier League start as he bundled the ball in from close range after a goal-mouth scramble.