Roy Hodgson has ‘big expectations’ for Ismaila Sarr after Senegal international makes first Premier League appearance since November as Watford edge closer to the drop after defeat against Brighton
- Watford lost 2-0 at home to Brighton on Saturday afternoon
- Ismaila Sarr made his first Premier League appearance since November
- Senegal international was impressive in a second-half cameo at Vicarage Road
- Watford are second-bottom in the Premier League, three points from safety
Roy Hodgson revealed he has ‘big expectations’ for Ismaila Sarr going forward after Watford suffered a 2-0 Premier League home defeat to Brighton.
Neal Maupay and Adam Webster were on target in a game of few chances, which leaves the Hornets with just one point from three matches since Hodgson took the reins.
Sarr was introduced at half-time – ahead of an improved second-half performance from the home side – and the Senegal international looked promising on his first appearance for Watford since November.
Ismaila Sarr (left) made his first Premier League appearance since November on Saturday
‘First thing with Sarr is, he only came back on Friday lunchtime from a long trip and was feeling very tired and I think he did remarkably well to make himself available to be on the bench,” Hodgson said.
‘But going forward, I have big expectations for him. And we as a team have expectations of what we want to see from him.’
Brighton defender Joel Veltman insisted his side play all of their matches without fear, as they prepare for a trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on the back of their win at Vicarage Road.
But Watford slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home to Brighton which left them 19th
Roy Hodgson faces a major uphill task to keep Watford up this season
‘We’re on a good run at the moment and we have some nice games coming up,’ the Holland defender told the club website.
‘We’ll reflect on Saturday’s win at Watford and then focus on getting a result at Old Trafford.
‘We play all our games with no fear and I think it’s important to do that whoever the opponent is.
Neal Maupay opened the scoring in Brighton’s 2-0 win at Vicarage Road on Saturday
Graham Potter’s team earned their first clean sheet since Boxing Day and will take on Manchester United on Tuesday night at Old Trafford
‘We know Manchester United have got some great players, but they are suffering a little bit at the moment and not where they want to be – so hopefully we get a result there.’
Graham Potter’s side’s victory at Watford was their first clean sheet since Boxing Day as they extended their unbeaten Premier League run to seven games.
‘A clean sheet was obviously good too. I think we did well and they only created one real opportunity,’ Veltman added.