Since the start of the season, no player has made more errors leading to a Premier League goal than David De Gea and the story was the same on Sunday afternoon when another goal-keeping error gave Watford the opening goal in their giant in a giant-slaying performance.
David De Gea allowed a mishit shot from Watford’s Ismaila Sarr to bounce through his arms followed by the ball embarrassingly hitting his face before entering into his goal.
It was set to be a sinker or booster for the hornets even before the match began and how they have turned their fortunes around. Now sitting six points off the drop zone Manager Nigel Person is brimming with confidence that his team can avoid relegation and live to play another Premier League season. Manchester United, on the other hand, miss the chance to go back into European places.
“We are in a difficult situation but I believe we can get out of it,” said new Watford boss Pearson.
“We needed that very badly because it would have been difficult to go beyond Christmas without a win.
“I thought we did some good things, deserved to win the game and there is more to come.
“In the situation we are in, we have do anything we can to win a game. The players committed to the game exceptionally well.
“I’ll be very confident we can get out of this situation.”
Sarr again was in the thick of things as he drew a foul from Wan Bissaka in the penalty area which Troy Deeny expertly converted for his first league goal since April.
The only positive yesterday was the return of Paul Pogba but not even the introduction of the French powerhouse could derail Watford en route to a famous victory.
It was a well-deserved victory for Watford, although Manchester United tried to stage a comeback it remained a well-contested game till the end as the Hornets could have added to their tally with various chances.
The loss highlighted Manchester United’s season with the major problem – lack of creativity in midfield – again surfacing. While we shouldn’t take anything away from Watford’s bravery, it is worth noting that the men from Old Trafford were well below par on the day.