Watford’s end of year awards

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We select the best from Watford’s 2016, including player of the year.

Former Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores

Biggest upset

Arsenal 1-2 Watford (12^th March – FA Cup quarter-final)

Goals from Odion Ighalo and Adlene Guedioura helped Watford reach their first FA Cup semi-final since 2007. Quique Sanchez Flores’ side ended Arsenal’s 16 match unbeaten run in the competition with an impressive win at the Emirates.

Best performance

Watford 3-1 Manchester United (18^th September – Premier League)

After an impressive 4-2 away win against West Ham United, Walter Mazzarri’s side won their first home game of the season thanks to goals from Etienne Capoue, Juan Zuniga and Troy Deeney. The win was Watford’s first over Manchester United since 1986.

Most improved player

Nordin Amrabat

Amrabat is beginning to show what he is capable of after signing from Malaga at the start of 2016. The Moroccan winger’s pace, determination and direct running make him a troubling force for Premier League fullbacks. Amrabat has three assists this season but there is still work to be done on his final product.

Unsung hero

Sebastian Prodl

After being in and out of the team under Flores at the start of 2016, Prodl has quietly established himself as one of Watford’s most reliable first team players. Tellingly, the only game Prodl has missed this season was the 6-1 defeat to Liverpool.

Best signing

Isaac Success

Success has largely been restricted to substitute appearances but the Nigerian has already turned heads in his cameo appearances. At just 20-years-old, Success has all the makings of a quality Premier League forward and a good signing for the Hornets.

Goal of the year

Troy Deeney v West Ham (10th September – Premier League)

It was a close call with Jose Holebas’ wicked strike against Middlesbrough, but Troy Deeney’s classy finish at the London Stadium is the winner.

Player of the year

Heurelho Gomes

With Deeney and Ighalo’s form dropping off in 2016, Watford owe a lot to the form of Heurelho Gomes at the other end of the pitch. The Brazilian stopper has won Watford points on numerous occasions, including a remarkable performance against Everton in April. His penalty saves at West Brom also stand out in 2016.