EPL 2016-17: Watford 3-1 Manchester United - Player Ratings
Manchester United’s woeful week continued after they fell to a 3rd consecutive defeat in 8 days, this time at the hands of Walter Mazzarri’s Watford. The 3-1 win at Vicarage road was also Watford’s first victory in the Premier League over the Red Devils.
Etienne Capoue, who is in a rich vein of form, opened the scoring in the first half by expertly steering home a cutback before Marcus Rashford equalised for United. But super-sub Juan Zuniga scored late on to fire the Hornets ahead and stun Jose Mourinho’s side which was in the ascendancy at that point.
Juan Zuniga won a penalty in injury time which was emphatically converted by Troy Deeney as Manchester United fell 6 points behind league leaders Manchester City. Here’s how each player fared in the match.
Watford
Huerelho Gomes – 7/10
The Brazilian was solid and most notably produced a vital save from Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 2nd half header that looked set to go in. He commanded his area quite well and did well to claim or punch out aerial balls into the box.
Jose Holebas – 7/10
Holebas worked hard at left wing-back for Watford and was an ever present outlet whenever Watford tried to break out. He was instrumental in nullifying the threat of United’s wing play. An impressive performance from the Greece international.
Miguel Britos – 6/10
Britos did well as part of a 3-man defence but grew tired as the game went on and committed mistakes. But he played a part in the opening goal by robbing Martial which allowed Janmaat to find Capoue.
Sebastian Prodl – 8/10
The Austrian was inspirational in defence, winning aerial balls and providing a rock-like presence at the back. He took on the mantle of keeping Ibrahimovic quiet and succeeded to an extent.
Craig Cathcart – 7/10
Cathcart put in a terrific shift at the back for the Hornets and was generally their best defender. His distribution out of the back was also impeccable.
Daryl Janmaat – 8/10
A thoroughly brilliant performance from the Dutch wingback today, highlighted by his cutback for Capoue to net the opening goal. His delivery from the right wing was threatening throughout. He was unlucky to be injured at the start of the 2nd half.
Etienne Capoue – 8/10
The former Tottenham man continued his superb start to the season by netting his 4th goal in 5 matches. He was extremely tidy in possession and closed down United’s attackers with vigour.
Valon Behrami – 6/10
It was his failure to react which led to United’s equaliser as the cross ricocheted off him for Rashford to convert. But he was generally a livewire in midfield.
Roberto Pereyra - 6/10
A willing runner, Pereyra was everywhere for Watford and made his presence known down the right wing. He did brilliantly to provide the assist for Zuniga’s late winner.
Odion Ighalo – 6/10
The Nigerian had a moment to forget early on when he missed an open goal after De Gea and Smalling collided but he kept working the channels and kept United’s defenders occupied.
Troy Deeney – 8/10
Deeney put in a true captain’s performance. He was everywhere – helping defenders out, retrieving balls and generally was a pain for United to deal with. Deservingly, he capped the game with an emphatic penalty.
Substitutes
Nordin Amrabat – 6/10
Amrabat came on for the injured Daryl Janmaat and was steady if not spectacular. His work rate was impressive though, providing an outlet down the right wing.
Juan Zuniga – 8/10
Zuniga was introduced with 7 minutes left to play and he made an instant impact with a delightful finish to the far corner when presented with the opportunity. Super Sub.
Isaac Success – 6/10
Success was introduced in injury time but he went on to make a mark by embarking on a mazy run down the left which led to Zuniga winning the penalty.