Welbeck wonder goal takes Watford away from drop zone

Soccer Football - Premier League - Watford v Norwich City - Vicarage Road, Watford, Britain - July 7, 2020 Watford's Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring their second goal with Abdoulaye Doucoure, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Matt Dunham/Pool via REUTERS

Danny Welbeck's spectacular bicycle kick propelled Watford to three vital points in their battle against Premier League relegation as they came from behind to beat Norwich City 2-1 at Vicarage Road on Tuesday.

Former England international Welbeck scored his first league goal for Watford since joining at the start of the season in the 56th minute and it proved the winner as they moved four points clear of the relegation places with four games remaining.

Norwich, who took a fourth-minute lead through Emiliano Buendia, remain rooted to the bottom and are virtually condemned to returning to the Championship after losing for a sixth league game in a row.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Watford v Norwich City - Vicarage Road, Watford, Britain - July 7, 2020 Watford's Danny Welbeck scores their second goal, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Matt Dunham/Pool via REUTERS

Their advantage lasted only six minutes before Craig Dawson equalised to get Watford back in the game and on their way to a first league win since ending Liverpool’s unbeaten run in February.

Watford still have some difficult games ahead but will see success over Norwich as a major boost to their hopes of staying up.

Norwich manager Daniel Farke admitted before kickoff his side had little hope of remaining in the Premier League and they could have that officially confirmed on Saturday when they host West Ham United.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Watford v Norwich City - Vicarage Road, Watford, Britain - July 7, 2020 Watford's Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring their second goal with Abdoulaye Doucoure, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Richard Heathcote/Pool via REUTERS

Yet they did score for the first time in the league since its restart after it was suspended due to COVID-19 when the pace of Onel Hernandez stretched the home defence to allow Buendia to bend a left-footed shot into the net.

It did not take long, however, for their defensive frailties to show as they first gave away a needless free kick and then allowed Watford centre back Dawson to force his way to the back post to head home easily.

The winner came at the end of a quick breakaway by the home side, driven down the right by Ismaila Sarr, whose cross struck a defender and bounced up for Welbeck with his back to goal.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Watford v Norwich City - Vicarage Road, Watford, Britain - July 7, 2020 Watford's Kiko Femenia in action with Norwich City's Onel Hernandez, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Andy Rain/Pool via REUTERS

His bicycle kick was one of the best finishes of the season.

Norwich could have equalised five minutes from fulltime when substitute Adam Idah missed from close range.

Watford are at home again on Saturday against Newcastle United.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Watford v Norwich City - Vicarage Road, Watford, Britain - July 7, 2020 Norwich City's Max Aarons in action with Watford's Danny Welbeck, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Richard Heathcote/Pool via REUTERS

(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Toby Davis)