Pearson: “That Takes Some Courage”

By: Watford FC Staff

Troy Deeney showed nerves of steel to smash home two penalties against Newcastle and earn a second win from behind in five days, and Nigel Pearson felt the courage was typical of the team’s overall performance.

The goals were the captain’s first and second since the Premier League restart and helped Watford earn back-to-back victories for the first time since January.

“It doesn’t matter how good a squad you have, they still have to be able to deal with the mental pressures the players are under to perform,” said the Head Coach.

“Troy is our player, he is prepared to take the responsibility, he’s prepared to absorb some pressure and that in itself takes some courage.

“He’s had some criticism of late but his response to that scenario is to go out, take it into his hands and I’m very pleased he was able to convert both of them.”

In a season which has seen more lows than highs, Pearson was once again impressed that heads did not drop after the team conceded first.

“It’s never easy for players to be able to deal with the sort of sustained disappointment we’ve had this season,” he said.

“Really, we’ve not had a spell where we’ve been out of trouble all season and we’ve still got a lot of work to do.

“But credit where it’s due, the players have found the answers today, it’s the second game in a week we’ve gone a goal behind but been able to win it.

“I have to reflect very much on how the players have coped with the situation and they’ve done exceptionally well.”

Watford now sit six points above Bournemouth and seven above Aston Villa, but both teams play their game in hand tomorrow and the Head Coach knows a lot could change in the final 15 days of the season.

“We know we’ve got work to do; we’ve got three games left, we have respect for the other clubs who are fighting relegation, our job now is to see our own job through, and we have to pick up enough points ourselves,” he said.

“Yes, if things go your way elsewhere, that can be beneficial, but we’re focused on achieving our goals and that’s winning enough points ourselves to take it out of anyone else’s hands.

“We’ve had a reasonable week, let’s be honest, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do and that’s important to remember.”

“We know we’ve got work to do; we’ve got three games left, we have respect for the other clubs who are fighting relegation, our job now is to see our own job through, and we have to pick up enough points ourselves.”
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