End game gets ever closer for old master Roy
ROY HODGSON stood with a rueful smile at the finish.
He is now staring relegation, and probably the end of his fine managerial career, in the face.
Goals from
Raphinha, Rodrigo (below) and Jack Harrison gave Leeds a deserved win and leaves Hodgson’s Watford six points adrift of safety having lost nine in a row at Vicarage Road.
When asked whether he was still confident Watford could beat the drop, Hodgson, 74, said: “I’ve never used the word ‘confident’, I can’t identify with that statement.
“We have no reason to be confident. We do have reason to believe, we do have reason to have faith, we do have reason to think we’re not that bad and results are a distinct possibility for us.
“I don’t think anyone at Norwich, Burnley or even Everton will be saying they are confident. But of course Everton and
Watford 0 Leeds 3 Ian Baker
Leeds have won and given themselves such a good margin that makes their position much better than ours.
“What we have to do is put this game and result behind us.”
New boss Jesse Marsch has made a big difference at Leeds and his side are now up to 33 points.
But the American said: “We’re still in the relegation battle. Everyone is getting results around us.
“We have to fight for everything and I’m OK with that – we need to stay focused on us.
“This was far from perfect but the points are massive and we have confidence and momentum.’’
WATFORD: Foster 6, Femenia 6, Kabasele 6, Samir 5, Kamara 5, Sissoko 7, Louza 6, Kucka 6 (Kayembe 72, 6), Sarr 5, Pedro 6 (King 81, 6), Hernandez 6 (Dennis 39, 6).
LEEDS: Meslier 6, Ayling 7, Llorente 7, Cooper 7, Dallas 7, Klich 6 (Phillips 59,
6), Koch 6, Raphinha 7 (Summerville
83, 6), Rodrigo 7, Harrison 8, James 7 (Greenwood 67, 6).
MAN OF THE MATCH: JACK HARRISON – Fine overall display and the sweetest of strikes to seal the victory.
REF: A Marriner ATT: 20,957