IT’S of little consolation to Huddersfield Town fans, but Watford keeper Manuel Almunia described the 4-0 victory over Town at Vicarage Road as “one of our best of the season.”
The former Arsenal man, who joined the Hornets on a free transfer in the summer, made an exceptional reflex save from Jermaine Beckford with his side two to the good.
But the veteran Spaniard was adamant a Town goal would not have stopped the Championship promotion chasers from securing a comfortable win on Saturday.
“I am here to save goals and I am happy with my performance. Even without my save, I think we would have won because all our players were fantastic,” said the 35-year-old.
Watford, who are sixth, beat Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday 6-1 and 4-1 respectively away from home and thumped Barnsley 4-1 at home.
And Almunia added: “It was right up there as one of the best performances in terms of intensity, our focus defensively and our attacking.”
Click on the link below to see a gallery of match action from the game
Town, now 18th, were more than a match for Watford in the opening phases but the game completely changed following a controversial penalty decision in first-half stoppage time.
Replays suggested Calum Woods’ challenge on Matej Vydra was both legal and outside the area, but the spot kick was given and Troy Deeney beat Almunia’s opposite number Alex Smithies.
Watford are renowned for their counter-attacking ability and Town’s need to chase the game arguably played into Gianfranco Zola’s side’s hands as the second half wore on.
Almunia said: “We played better in the second half than the first. We played the ball on the floor and Huddersfield didn’t put enough pressure on us.”
Czech international Vydra scored twice, taking his season’s haul to 16, before a slick passing move and neat finish by midfielder Cristian Battocchio completed the win.
Several of the club’s loanees from Udinese – like Watford, owned by Gino Pozzo – combined for the last goal and Almunia has been impressed with his teammates’ technical ability.
“It is amazing when the little, small players start playing with the ball. They have an awful lot of quality.
“They come from a big team in Italy and all have talent. When other teams let them play they are amazing.
“We are strong at the back and have good quality up front. Troy Deeney is doing a terrific job physically and is strong. We have a good mix.”
When asked if some of Watford’s play reminded him of his former club Arsenal, Almunia replied: “It is always nice to see this type of football.
“Arsenal play very quickly and it is the type of football that everyone loves. Sometimes we show off a bit but it is good to entertain the fans.”
