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Watford 2 Newcastle United 1: Ighalo strikes as hosts break losing streak

Odion Ighalo and Craig Cathcart scored as Watford broke a run of four straight Premier League defeats to record a 2-1 home win over Newcastle United on Saturday.

After a poor first period Watford took the lead 44 seconds into the second half. Troy Deeney lofted a through-ball in behind for Ighalo, who hit his seventh goal in seven games at Vicarage Road.

Steve McClaren switched to a back three due to Newcastle's defensive injury crisis and handed a first Premier League start to newcomer Henri Saivet, while Watford made one change, with Juan Carlos Paredes replacing Allan Nyom at right-back.

Heurelho Gomes then kept out Aleksandar Mitrovic's shot with his legs as Newcastle sought their first goal in four away Premier League matches.

Cathcart lashed in from close range after Ighalo held off his man in the box to double the lead after 58 minutes. 

Lascelles gave his side a lifeline on 71 minutes, powerfully heading home Jonjo Shelvey's corner to mark his first Premier League start in style.

Mitrovic and Emmanuel Riviere both planted headers narrowly wide while Elliot saved from Ighalo and Etienne Capoue blazed over the crossbar with five minutes to go as Watford sought a vital third goal, but the one-goal cushion proved enough for Quique Sanchez Flores' men.