BY AYODELE ODUMADE AT VICARAGE ROAD

Watford FC saved their best performance of the season for the Champions Elect Liverpool as they ended their unbeaten run by thrashing them in a one-sided game. Senegalese International Ismaila Sarr got two goals while Captain Troy Deeney got the third. Watford thoroughly deserved their win and their Manager Nigel Pearson said: “In the context of our season it was an important three points for us today. We knew we had to be at our best today and I think we were. To beat possibly the best side in the world at the moment is testament to how we play.  It is satisfying but it is just one game. We have got 10 games left. We have to try and emulate what we have done today in terms of performance.”  I am really proud of the players especially with how they have coped with a difficult situation when results have not gone our way.”

Gerard Deulofeu was injured in a challenge with Virgil Van Dijk, which forced him off with a knee injury.  Ismaila Sarr who was unplayable came to the fore and scored his first goal from a tap after a short throw in and an excellent second as he broke away from the half way line and lifted the ball over the on-rushing Allison.   His manager, Pearson said: “He is a very good player. He has been out for a number of weeks with injuries. He has looked bright. I am reluctant to put pressure on him. When players are young it is important to let them play football. We were thinking we will give him 70 minutes but he was very good today. We have to do our best and keep him playing. He played his part like everybody else.”

The Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp whose team missed out on matching the Arsenal Invincibles of 2004 was asked about his team’s performance and he said: “I am not surprised by the performance. We did not perform like we should have. In the first half we tried to pass the ball, play through the lines but things we usually do, we did not do them today. We conceded the first goal and the second not long after that. We did not create enough chances. That is what led to our defeat. Football has nothing to do with the games you won before and nothing to do with the games you will win in future.”