Deulofeu dazzles on his return to Watford’s delight
WE HAVE seen this from Gerard Deulofeu before. These are the days that Watford’s Catalan winger summons all the invention, speed and trickery that he learned at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, bewitching opponents and bedazzling his side’s supporters.
Amid the wind and rain at Vicarage Road, conditions did not seem ideal for the fleetfooted Deulofeu, particularly against Cardiff’s physical prowess. Yet Deulofeu remained true to his upbringing and outplayed Cardiff at every turn.
Javi Gracia, who has managed previously at Rubin Kazan, smiled: ‘It was more difficult in Russia. Playing in minus-20, minus-25. But Gerard showed his quality.’
Deulofeu broke the deadlock on 16 minutes with as marvellous an individual goal as we will see all weekend. After Watford won the ball back in Cardiff territory, Deulofeu scuttled forward with menace. Roberto Pereyra made the overlapping run to his left and the home support were baying for the pass to release the Argentinian.
Deulofeu did not take that, easier option. He rarely does. He sauntered into the penalty area, showcasing close control and poise to tiptoe around Sean Morrison and Bruno Manga. As a route to goal opened up, Deulofeu caressed the ball beyond Neil Etheridge.
After being dropped for the last two games, this was some response by Deulofeu and a much-needed victory for Watford, who failed to win their six previous Premier League games. This was a dominant performance decorated by three picturebook goals. Yet vulnerabilities remain, as Watford conceded twice to turn a procession into a late contest.
Cardiff, who have won one away point all season, were generous opponents. Here they did not have a shot on target until the 80th minute, when Junior Hoilett scored from distance. Neil Warnock, their manager, was, surprise surprise, unhappy with the officials for a failure to punish a Troy Deeney challenge. Andy Madley was refereeing his second Premier League fixture.
‘I don’t understand that,’ Warnock said. ‘Whether it’s because it’s only Cardiff City, we’ll let someone have an experiment today. I’m flabbergasted. Let them experiment with a top game.’
Watford’s early goal had instilled confidence. Deeney dummied smartly to release Pereyra, who was denied at pointblank range by Etheridge. The Cardiff goalkeeper offered further resistance, stretching to his right to deny Pereyra from a free-kick and then down low to save from the same player early in the second period. The goalkeeper would have required superhuman powers to stop Watford’s second, as Deulofeu teed up Jose Holebas and the left-back struck firsttime to bend the ball into the top corner. Watford’s third came in the 68th minute as Ken Sema back-flicked to tee up Domingos Quina, who produced a finish of the highest quality. At 19 years and 27 days, Quina is the youngest goalscorer in Watford’s Premier League history.
Cardiff rallied in the final 10 minutes. Hoilett struck the first and two minutes later, from a long throw, sub Bobby Reid poked out a leg to create a tense finish.