August 14, (THEWILL) – There were three Super Eagles’ players in the Watford lineup for their 2021/2022 season’s curtain raiser against Aston Villa on Saturday at their Vicarage Road grounds in Watford. One of their latest acquisitions, Nigerian forward Emmanuel Dennis scored and assisted to help them to a 3-2 victory.
It was a debut goal and goal involvement in a maiden EPL appearance for Dennis but it complemented the work put in by the other duo of the trio of Nigerians in the squad as defender William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo also made their EPL opener.
Watford’s leaky defense, which was highlighted in the pre-season 4-1 loss against Arsenal behind closed doors, was cause for concern ahead of their first game but it was the attack that proved to be notable. Dennis had a major say in that and could see a promising boost to his game if he can maintain this form.
He had struggled to keep a regular starting slot in Cologne as his career floundered in the German top flight and took the option of a restart with Watford’s return to the EPL. The impressive way he has started is assuring for Watford this season. It took him only 10 minutes to beat Copa America-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Watford’s high press meant they kept it competitive for Villa and made sure they went into the break on the ascendancy. Dennis was again involved as he provided for strike partner Ismaila Sarr to double the advantage for the hosts.
Six minutes after the hour mark, in the second half of play, Hornets’ manager Xisco replaced Dennis with the Watford player that provided their third goal, Juan Hernandez. It was as good as they could have dreamt of for their return to the EPL
They seemed to have become complacent with the giddiness of their lead as they allowed Villa to come within a hair’s breadth of earning a point and denying them of victory because John McGinn cut the deficit in the 70th minute leading to a dramatic end.
Mike Dean awaited Villa a penalty at the very death which Danny Ings proficiently converted but it was too late for any sort of leveller. They might have been able to pull a draw off if a creative midfielder like their talismanic Jack Grealish was still with the side but he now plies his creative talents with League champions Manchester City, after his record-breaking move.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
