Hornets meet Silva standard

MARCO SILVA hailed Watford’s spirit as they hit back from a goal down to win for the first time in seven games to end a run of four successive defeats.

Riyad Mahrez put the Foxes ahead but Malian defender Molla Wague, making his first league start on loan from Udinese, struck to level and a Kasper Schmeichel own goal sealed the victory.

“Commitment, attitude and spirit are the most important things, more important than everything. After going 1-0 down we showed all these things,” said manager Silva. “We have shown it from the first moments of the season. We didn’t perform like we should have the last two games. But it was a very good game against a good team.”

It looked unlikely to turn out that way when Mahrez nodded home Marc Albrighton’s left-wing cross in the 37th minute.

Richarlison missed a chance to level when

WATFORD LEICESTER

he rounded keeper Schmeichel only to fire against the post.

But when Leicester failed to clear a corner just before the break, Wague ran onto a rebound off Wes Morgan to hit the ball home. The winner came when Tom Cleverley’s free-kick Abdoulaye Doucoure beyond the far post. The Hornets midfielder’s shot might have been going in anyway, but Schmeichel’s botched attempt to save made sure it did.

Cleverley then went close after robbing Ben Chilwell but Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes had to deny Morgan and Leo Ulloa late on.

Leicester boss Claude Puel was disappointed both Watford goals had followed set-plays. He said: “We have to correct our defending from set-pieces.” SCHMEICHEL