Ben Guest
Watford matchwinner Andre Gray admitted that there was ‘extra spice’ in todays clash with Everton thanks to the return of Marco Silva to Vicarage Road.
It is safe to say that there is no love lost between Watford and Everton following the Toffees persistent approaches for Silva last season.
Silva had enjoyed a good start to life as Watford boss last season, but the Hornets’ form dipped drastically following Everton’s interest, with the Portuguese eventually getting sacked in January, before finally taking over at Goodison Park in the summer following the sacking of Sam Allardyce.
Today’s Premier League game between the two sides was Silva’s first return to Vicarage Road, and it was his former club who had the last laugh, with Andre Gray scoring the only goal of the game.
Speaking afterwards, the former Burnley striker admitted that there was a was an ‘extra spice’ to the game, especially among the fans, who were heard chanting the obligatory ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ towards the 41-year-old.
“With the ex-manager here there was extra spice in the game – especially with the fans – it pushes you on,” Gray told BBC Sport.
“In the second half we had that edge. We didn’t play that well but we got over the line.
“Regardless of the ‘edge’ of the match, we would have gone for it because we were desperate for the win.”
The result leaves Watford in eighth and Everton in ninth, although the two teams are now separated by four points.