Matchwinner Vakoun Bayo is itching for a goal-laden 2023, after his fourth strike of the Sky Bet Championship season powered Watford to a dramatic 1-0 victory over Norwich City at Carrow Road.
The 25-year-old was introduced to the action as a 29th-minute substitute for the injured Samuel Kalu, and threatened Angus Gunn’s goal on a number of occasions before ultimately breaking the deadlock from close range four minutes from the end.
While Keinan Davis and Christian Kabasele went on to add their names to the Hornets’ seemingly ever-increasing absentees list in Norfolk, a brave Watford performance - that saw a number of players drafted into the side, often out of position - deservedly yielded three points.
And after securing the result, to the delight of the vociferous travelling supporters, Bayo is hoping his first goal since October can be the start of many going into the business end of the campaign.
“I feel great,” the Ivory Coast international said. “We all feel good because it was a brilliant team performance, and it keeps us in the running towards the top of the table. We are very happy.
“I was very happy to score. We all know Ismaïla Sarr is very fast so when he got the ball on the left I just followed his run. He gave me a great assist and I managed to finish it off.
“I’m really pleased because it had been a long time since I’d scored, and I’m confident more goals can come. Hopefully with some time I can keep helping the team in this way.”
Bayo may be forgiven for hoping for more opportunities in Watford’s third kit, with three of his four goals for the club having come emblazoned in the black and white strip that was released to commemorate 100 years at Vicarage Road.
And as the former RSC Charleroi forward eyes more minutes at Reading in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday (January 7, 12.30pm KO), he paid tribute to Head Coach Slaven Bilić and the whole squad for the manner in which they responded to successive festive defeats amidst such tricky injury issues.
“I love the black and white shirt, it seems to be good to me!” Bayo laughed. “As long as I keep scoring, everyone will be happy, and we’re all pleased with how we fought to get the win today.
“We know we need to go away and rest well now, because we have a lot of injuries. It’s important we stay together and keep fighting, and hopefully some players will be able to come back soon.
“I say thanks to the Head Coach because it’s not easy to lose so many players, but he’s dealt with the situation very well. Together we’ve all fought well, and this is not an easy situation, so we’ll be happy together and keep moving forwards.”
