Watford claimed a narrows 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Premier League at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Hornets moved into the top half of the Premier League courtesy of a stunner by Jose Holebas gave his side a 1-0 win over Boro, who have now gone six Premier League matches without a win.
Both Watford and Boro got off to a good start in the opening exchanges of the match and had half-chances inside the opening ten minutes, with Troy Deeney nearly latching onto the end of a ball in the box before Stewart Downing blazed his effort over the bar and Gaston Ramirez’s shot was fired just past the far post.
Alvaro Negredo was twice involved in penalty shout’s, in quick succession with the first coming in the 24th minute when he was brought down by Younes Kaboul in the box, however, referee Roger East waved away the claims.
The second penalty appeal came just three minutes later when his shot appeared to hit the arm of Nordin Amrabat but the referee waved play on.
Middlesbrough came close to opening the scoring just after the half-hour mark when Ben Gibson latched onto a ball and guided his effort over the bar from 25 yards out.
Boro should have been reduced to 10 men just seconds later when Barragan brought down Issac Success but he escaped with a caution as both side’s went into the half time interval goalless.
In the 54th minute, Watford finally found the breakthrough when Holebas produced a moment of magic to hand his side a 1-0 lead.
The goal came after Success went down in the box from a challenge by Adam Forshaw and George Friend’s clearance found Holebas just outside the area before he powered a fantastic effort into the top corner.
Boro had a great opportunity to level matters in the 68th minute when Negredo rose highest to meet a Friend cross but he was denied by goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
Watford could have extended their lead before full time when Success set up Calum Chambers but his curling effort was well saved by goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
However, the Hornets managed to secure their third win of the Premier League season as they collected all three points at the Riverside Stadium.
Image: Premier League website
