Watford 1-2 Manchester United - 5 Talking Points

Manchester United came back to claim 3 points against Watford as Memphis made a scoring return to the starting lineup. Troy Deeney scored at both the ends as he scored the equalizer for Watford and the winner for United by deflecting Bastian Schweinsteiger’s wayward strike towards goal.The win momentarily took United to the top of the table while Watford dropped into the bottom half. With Arsenal dropping points too this is looking like an increasingly better result for them, although they were knock of their temporary perch by Leicester City.Here are the five talking points from this exciting clash at the Vicarage Road.

#1 Deeney\'s Dismay

Troy Deeney has seen a dramatic rise in fortunes after being jailed to captaining for Watford in Premier League. And today was a special day for the Watford captain as he scored his first ever home goal in the league. After five home appearances, this was his first league goal at Vicarage Road since April 2015, which he scored against Middlesbrough in Championship.

And what an occasion to get off the mark! Scoring an equalizer late into the game against the illustrious Manchester United. It was moment of sheer ecstasy for the 27 year old as he momentarily salvaged a draw for his side.

In all this hysteria his world came down crashing as he agonizingly scored an own goal late into the game. Within minutes, Deeney went from dream merchant to the ravager as he agonizingly scored an own goal deep into the stoppage time. It was a tale of contrasting fortunes for the English striker nonetheless all more heartbreaking than glorious.

#2 David De Gea stands tall

How many times we have written about David de Gea and his marvelous saves? And here we are again, as the Spaniard played a towering role in Manchester United’s grinding 2-1 win at Vicarage Road. After almost an hour of inactivity, the United stopper was called into action to make a crucial save from Troy Deeney’s attempt.

From then on, the 24-year-old was simply majestic till the final whistle. His confident clearances during the deep corners late in the game were top notch by any measure. But the main highlight of his game today were the reflex saves he made in the last 20 minutes of the game.

His save off Ighalo’s deflected shot was good but the save he made of Deeney’s diverted shot which was poised to nestle into the bottom corner of the goal was simply world class. If his reflexes were unbeatable then his shot stopping was equally impeccable as he held the fiercest of the shots fired at him with ease.

#3 Back three upsets United\'s juggernaut

Manchester United have been slandered for their patient build up play this season. Today, they made a blistering start to the game with some pace and tenacity. The midfield trio of Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger and Herrera made life hell for Watford players in the first half an hour with their guile.

Lingard, Mata and Memphis also looked ominous as the trio linked up smoothly and the transition amongst them was very quick. The look and feel to this United team was very different and was partially reminiscent to the one of yesteryear.

But all that went down the drain with the injury to Ander Herrera. Louis van Gaal’s revert to a back three gave Watford a lifeline back into the game. It may have seemed the only way to lineup the team post Herrera’s exit but it didn’t quite come off as Watford started to exploit the system to their advantage with each passing minute.

Without the presence of an out and out no.9 and conventional wingbacks, it was a makeshift formation with similar ilk of players. The Red Devils may have got all three points but in reality they’ve managed to avoid a potentially slippery fixture.

#4 Nathan Ake impresses for the Hornets

Watford revived their fortunes in the second half with a spirited display after being swept aside by their visitors in the first half. And the major reason for their revival was the arrival of Nathan Ake in second half at left back.

The Chelsea youngster gave enough problems to United’s right hand side with his composure and sound defensive ability. He negated the threat of Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard and gave enough problems to Phil Jones to ponder upon.

Ake was instrumental in Watford’s siege at United’s goal late in the second half. His defensive contribution was immense in revival of Watford in the second half. His positional awareness to exploit the channels down the right was praiseworthy as he pegged United back into their own half down the right side.

If he continues to get enough game-time the Chelsea prodigy can do wonders with the Hornets this season.

#5 Redemption for Memphis?

Memphis made his first start for Manchester United in four games as Louis van Gaal’s options were limited with flurry of injuries in his attacking ranks. And he didn’t disappoint against formidable opposition.

The troubled Dutch starlet started the game as a false 9 and he approached his role with industry and was willing to create chances for the team. His pace and movement gave a shaky Watford defense ample problems. The goal he scored in the first half was the perfect summary of his day.

He was impressive in the first 25 minutes but he showed his mettle once United shifted to the back three post Ander Herrera’s injury. The 21-year-old was lively throughout the 90 minutes and was instrumental in United’s comeback after conceding late in the game. He was awarded the Man of the Match for his performance.