Ighalo scores again, compounds Sunderland’s woes

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Odion Ighalo continues to fuel Watford’s impressive climb into the upper reaches of the Premier League.
The striker’s 10th goal of the season sealed a win that added to the relegation concerns of Sunderland, who have now lost to all the teams promoted last season.
This was Watford’s third successive away victory, a feat they have never achieved before in the Premier League, and lifted them within a point of fifth-placed Tottenham.

But it was almost ripped away from them in the closing stages as Jermain Defoe twice went close to an equaliser and Adam Johnson wasted another good change.
The spirited finish by Sam Allardyce’s side was in contrast to opening stages.
Sunderland had conceded only one goal in three home games since Allardyce took charge, but Watford required less than four minutes to break through a back three that featured Billy Jones in place of Younes Kaboul.
Inevitably, the man responsible was Ighalo, who can’t stop scoring goals in 2015. This was his 26th in the calendar year and demonstrated the instinct and sharpness that has made him such a threat.
Allan Nyom deserved much of the credit for a surging run down the right before Ighalo got in ahead of Sebastian Coates at the front post to poke the ball past keeper Costel Pantilimon.

It was Watford 12th away goal of the season – double the number they have managed at Vicarage Road – and they should have punished Sunderland at least once more during an impressive opening burst by Quique Flores’ team.
An excellent cross from the other flank by Nathan Ake proved troublesome for Patrick van Aanholt whose unconvincing challenge in the air left Almen Abdi with a chance after nine minutes.DM.