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Defender William Troost-Ekong insisted there were positives to take from Watford’s 2-2 draw at home to Sunderland, despite Jewison Bennette’s late equaliser sparking a mixture of emotions.
The Hornets went in front at Vicarage Road when Keinan Davis capped his full debut with a goal in the 34th minute, but Aji Alese equalised on the stroke of half-time with an effort that marginally squeezed over the line.
Bennette drew the Black Cats level for the second time after Luke O’Nien’s own goal had put Watford back in the driving seat, and Troost-Ekong admitted that lapses in concentration ultimately cost the promotion-chasing Golden Boys.
But, following a disappointing defeat at Blackburn last time out, the Nigeria captain thought his team offered a strong response in large parts, and that there were signs of ongoing improvement throughout the 90 minutes.
“I think there was a good reaction from the boys after Tuesday night,” Troost-Ekong said. “I thought we were dominant in spells and it was a much better performance, but we just have to find a way to kill games off.
“I haven’t seen their first goal back, but it was at a crucial time. If you go into the break 1-0 up I think you come out with more confidence. There was a lapse in concentration at their throw-in, which is disappointing.
“We still managed to get ahead again, but we need to be able to hold on to that lead. Of course we wanted to win today, and we gave everything, but we’ll keep working hard and sooner or later everything will click.”
The Black Cats stalemate marked Troost-Ekong’s first start of the 2022/23 Sky Bet Championship season, and he explained he is itching to keep his place in the team under Rob Edwards.
The 29-year-old is hoping to add more minutes to his tally while away with his national team over the next couple of weeks, before a hectic October schedule with Watford begins away at Stoke (Sunday October 2, 12noon KO).
Troost-Ekong added: “I’ve worked really hard over the last few weeks in training to get my chance in the team, and today was my opportunity to give everything.
“Rob [Edwards] tries to fill us all with confidence before every game, and we would’ve loved to have repaid him with three points, but we’ll keep working on a way to do that in the next game.
“Hopefully I play some games while I’m away with Nigeria, and improve my form and fitness, and then come back and help the team kick on.”
