Watford 2-0 Huddersfield Town: Tom Cleverley & Joao Pedro score for Hornets
- Published
Tom Cleverley (right) chased down a Huddersfield backpass to score the opener
Second-half goals from Tom Cleverley and Joao Pedro gave Watford a deserved victory over Huddersfield, whose away woes in the Championship continue.
The hosts had the better of a low-key first half - Pedro and Ismaila Sarr denied by Ryan Schofield - though striker Troy Deeney was fortunate to only be booked for a late challenge on Terriers midfielder Juninho Bacuna.
Cleverley chased down a backpass and beat a hesitant Schofield to the ball with a sliding tackle which sent it into the net to put the Hornets ahead.
Carlos Corberan's visitors had just one shot on target and had their fate sealed when Pedro showed desire to convert Kiko Femenia's fine low cross at the back post.
The win lifts Watford one place to fifth while Huddersfield slip to 14th, having won just two points from their past six away league matches.
Terriers keeper Schofield looked to continue his good form this season with first-half saves from Pedro's half-volley and Sarr's curling effort, but was too casual and lacked authority in getting to the loose ball as a determined Cleverley got the better of him.
Huddersfield have a lengthy injury list including Carel Eiting, Isaac Mbenza and Josh Koroma but created nothing of note to test Hornets keeper Daniel Bachmann, who stood in for the injured Ben Foster.
The Yorkshire side have scored just once in their past five on the road, while Xisco Munoz retains his 100% home record as Watford boss, having suffered back-to-back away defeats at Swansea and Premier League leaders Manchester United.
Watford boss Xisco Munoz told BBC Three Counties Radio:
"Every time you win it is good but I would be happier if we had our fans here.
"There were one or two surprises from Huddersfield, but we know how they can play.
"Tom [Cleverley] works like Superman. He is a big professional and helps me in the dressing room.
"Everyone knows the Championship is difficult because of its intensity. We are working very hard every day to improve our style, and we will see what happens."
Huddersfield head coach Carlos Corberan:
"There is no doubt that Ryan Schofield is involved in the action [for the first goal]. Alex Vallejo is also involved, but this is what it is like to play football.
"If you don't have the right concentration, you will suffer the consequences as any mistake is going to have a high impact.
"I do not expect him to apologise. Ryan has everything to play in the Championship - that is why he is our first goalkeeper right now.
"We didn't create enough chances. After we gave this present to them it was impossible for us to win the game, but the team did not give up at any moment."
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