Better late than never, no more grey days for Andre Gray

With Joao Pedro suspended following his clash with Jack Wilshere in the latter stages of Watford’s weekend loss to Bournemouth, it will have been safe to assume that fans would have been highly concerned after hearing Andre Gray’s name in the starting 11.

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Having not scored in over 32 appearances as a striker, the stats presented a very gloomy picture for Gray in front of the goal. Yet, as Watford fight for promotion, the unthinkable yet highly spectacular series of events happened, as Andre Gray scored a goal each in both halves to give Watford a much needed 2-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers. A huge shock for the Hornets themselves that the Englishman finally found his shooting boots and celebrated scoring more than once in a game for the first time in a staggering 124 matches.

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The usual suspects were a constant menace for relegation battlers Wycombe, with Ismaila Sarr’s breath-taking pace across the wing and Watford’s player of the season contender Ken Sema’s technical ball play being the stand-out difference between both clubs right from the first whistle.

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Both contributed significantly for either goal by assisting Gray with deliveries into the box and creating constant chances for themselves. With more than 70% possession before half time, Gareth Ainsworth’s side were lucky to be heading into the break with just a one goal deficit. But all such speculation of a shock comeback were put to bed within 10 minutes of play resumption when Andre Gray calmly placed his shot into the bottom right corner.

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The hosts almost had a third with 13 minutes to go, only for the forever active Wycombe keeper, Stockdale to expertly save Zinckernagel’s shot before Sarr blazed his effort well wide from Andre Gray’s rebound attempt. Eventually, the game died out with the Hornets keeping possession and Wycombe providing little threat having accepted their fate at Vicarage Stadium.

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Having got back to winning ways, Hornets manager Xisco Munoz was proud of the shift that his players had put in and believed his team was only getting fitter and more intelligent in terms of adapting to tactics as the season reaches its most critical stage. In a three-way battle for the final automatic promotion place behind Norwich, the Hornets know that they can’t afford to lose points, especially since fellow rivals Swansea have two games in hand, being just one point behind.

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As for Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth, recognition that his team may well be heading to League One became evident from his comments post game highlighting how emphasis has now shifted towards planning ahead for the next campaign. Having said so, the part-time Rockstar by profession was also quick to highlight how he felt his team had faired very well in their last two games against table toppers Norwich and Watford.

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With the season approaching its final stages, there is both excitement and immense nervousness as to who will be promoted automatically and who will have to settle for fighting it out within the playoffs at the glorious Wembley Stadium. Only time will tell but

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Man of the Match - Only one name comes to mind – Andre Gray. A resurrection like no other, the Hornets will be looking forward to making sure that the Englishman’s form continues in front of goal and helps provide an alternate option to the likes of Joao Pedro.