MX23RW : Friday, May 3 13:39:06| >> :120:27137:27137:
[monks data]
Preston North End logo
Championship | Gameweek 30
Feb 16, 2021 at 7pm UK
Deepdale
Watford logo

Preston
0 - 1
Watford

FT(HT: 0-0)
Pedro (51' pen.)
Cleverley (63')

Xisco Munoz hails Watford's "spirit and determination" in Preston win

The Hornets climbed to third in the Championship table as Joao Pedro earned and converted a penalty to make it back-to-back league victories.

Watford boss Xisco Munoz felt his side implemented his personal playing style perfectly in a 1-0 win at Preston.

The Hornets climbed to third in the Championship table as Joao Pedro earned and converted a penalty to make it back-to-back league victories.

Incredibly, rumblings about Xisco's future had emerged after a three-game winless run earlier in February but the Spaniard felt their win in Lancashire sets the standard for the rest of the season.

"I think it was a good performance for us because we showed the very good team spirit that we already have and we played with passion," said the Vicarage Road boss.

"We had control of the game in the first half and in the second half we lost the momentum at times. But everyone played together and we worked very hard. We played as our fans wanted us to play today.

"We have a lot of games, we know that and I repeat the same thing. Now is the moment for enjoying it (the win) for 20 minutes. Then after 20 minutes we need to start preparing for the next game.

"I am really happy with the guys because I think they gave passion, they played with spirit and determination.

"I am proud of my team because sometimes you need to play one style and sometimes you need to play another style.

"This is our club, this is our style, this is our challenge and we need to follow this game."

The winner came in the 51st minute when Adam Masina and Ken Sema combined to slip a pass to Pedro, who had his heels clipped by Tom Barkhuizen.

Referee Tony Harrington pointed to the spot and the Brazilian forward made no mistake.

Preston's struggles at home continue, picking up 14 points from 15 games at Deepdale and scoring just 11 goals.

Preston first-team coach Frankie McAvoy said: "We're a bit disappointed we've come away with nothing from the game. I thought it was a really good, tight affair. We knew it would be.

"They've got quality all over the pitch. I thought the manager's tactics were spot on.

"The penalty kick is the defining factor in the game. I thought we had the best couple of chances in the first half.

"All in all, we are disappointed. We had a few chances. I'm not really sure that the goalkeepers got worked by either side.

"I don't think there was much but there were clear chances and on another day you get one that might sneak in."

ID:435551: cacheID:435551:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4195:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Reading's Alfa Semedo celebrates with teammates after scoring their first goal on February 13, 2021
Read Next:
Tuesday's Championship predictions including Bristol City vs. Reading
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CLeicester CityLeicester453141089395097
2Ipswich TownIpswich452712690573393
3Leeds UnitedLeeds45279980413990
4Southampton452591185622384
5Norwich CityNorwich4521101479631673
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom4520121367472072
7Hull City451913136859970
8Middlesbrough45199176861766
9Coventry CityCoventry4517131569571264
10Preston North EndPreston45189185664-863
11Bristol City451711175347662
12Cardiff CityCardiff45195215165-1462
13Swansea CitySwansea451512185964-557
14Watford451317156058256
15Sunderland45168215252056
16Millwall451511194455-1156
17Queens Park RangersQPR451411204557-1253
18Stoke CityStoke451411204560-1553
19Blackburn RoversBlackburn451311215874-1650
20Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds45148234268-2650
21Plymouth ArgylePlymouth451212215870-1248
22Birmingham CityBirmingham451211224965-1647
23Huddersfield TownHuddersfield45918184875-2745
RRotherham UnitedRotherham45412293287-5524


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!