TROY DEENEY scored two penalties to secure Watford three points at Vicarage Road on Saturday against Newcastle. 

Newcastle took the lead early on through Dwight Gayle. The forward has been in fine form since the Premier League restarted with three goals and one assist in five games. 

Allan Saint-Maximin proved to be an early threat with his unpredictable skills. Saint-Maximin has the ability to turn and trick defenders. Watford were aware of his attributes and doubled up on the winger after he delivered an outstanding cross at the start of the match. 

Ben Foster had also denied Saint-Maximin in front of goal, he has the ability to cut in and shoot as well as marshalling the channels. Newcastle’s chances were a wake up call for Watford. 

The Hornets showed determination in the second half to come back after trailing behind a goal at half-time. 

Watford’s win could prove crucial in the fight to remain in top-flight football. 

The home side’s first penalty shifted momentum of the game and captain Deeney showed nerves of steel to convert both from the spot. Speaking after the match, he said: “I felt confident for the first penalty but then missed a chance after, so I wasn’t going to miss another. Our performances are improving but there’s still more to come.”

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce said: “I thought we needed Fabian Schar’s physicality and I think it worked in the first half. Him playing in midfield is something we’ve worked on. I thought our first-half performance was excellent and could have gone 2-0 up. The second half they’re given a huge lifeline.”

Hornets manager Nigel Pearson hailed his sides grit. “Until last week we’d not won from a losing position but now we’ve done it twice. I really applaud the players for their performance, they turned it around after a setback.” 

Watford face West Ham away next, who convincingly beat Norwich 4-0 on Saturday. Both teams will fight to remain in the Premier League, with Norwich the first to be relegated.