Sanchez Flores hails Watford strikers’ ‘amazing connection’

Ian Watson

Quique Sanchez Flores: Watches his side win at Villa

Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores praised his strike force of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney after the 3-2 win at Aston Villa.

The visiting strikers netted a goal apiece, either side of Alan Hutton’s own-goal, to sink the hapless hosts.

The Hornets boss said: “It’s amazing the connection they had during the match. They are able to play on the long ball or on the floor. They cope well with whatever way we play.

“It’s amazing what they are doing different.

“I have the impression he (Deeney) enjoyed his goal but it’s normal when you come back to play against one team. You try to win always.”

The game was stopped for almost 10 minutes following an injury to Gomes, who collided with team-mate Craig Cathcart when trying to cut out a low Hutton cross.

The Brazilian received treatment for a lengthy spell before being fitted with a neck brace and carried from the pitch on a stretcher. Giedrius Arlauskis, who played for Lithuania against England in last month’s European Championship qualifier, came on for his Premier League debut.

Flores said: “He had a kick to the head but felt something in his neck. I don’t know exactly but we will have scans and see the results.”

Gomes was taken to a Birmingham hospital but was able to return home with the rest of the squad on the team coach.