Watford’s The temporary head coach of Watford, Tom Cleverly, has given lots of compliments to Emmanuel Dennis after the Nigerian player scored the only goal against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s to earn all three points. This was the perfect beginning for the former Manchester United midfielder as the new manager. PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The versatile forward took advantage of a defensive mistake just before half-time to give the Hornets their first victory in five attempts in the Sky Bet Championship.
Watford brought back the 26-year-old former striker from Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the Championship season during the winter transfer window after he spent the first half of the season on loan in Turkey, with Istanbul Basaksehir.
His time in Turkey didn't go well, as he only played eight games in five months and didn't score any goals.
Since returning to Watford, the Nigerian attacker has scored three times in five starts and is enjoying his time playing with the EFL Championship side.
Against struggling Birmingham on Saturday, Dennis dispossessed a Blues player who hesitated in the danger area, and then scored a goal, marking a positive start for Interim coach Cleverley after Valerien Ismael was let go.
Talking to the club's media team, the English Premier League winner with Manchester United had many good things to say about the Nigerian striker.
“We know that Dennis has this explosive speed. As a defender, you might think you're in control with the ball, and then he shows up out of nowhere,” Cleverly said.
“We told the players that we thought we would create chances by winning back the ball in high areas. We didn't win as many as I would've liked, but the important one went in. He's been dealing with a minor groin problem, so I always had in mind that he wouldn't play the entire game. He did well to play for an hour and score the winning goal.”
Up next for Dennis and his teammates is a match against Leeds United at Vicarage Road on March 29.
