Watford boss Walter Mazzarri has explained why Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo started ahead of Troy Deeney in his side’s 2-0 loss to Kelechi Iheanacho’s Manchester City in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

Yesterday’s game at the Etihad Stadium was Ighalo’s first start in the English top-flight in the last five matches, and the manager has made it clear that he opted to name Troy Deeney on the bench as he was one booking away from a suspension.

“We have had three games in a week and this without Stefano Okaka, ” Mazzarri said in his post match comments.

“Also the fact Deeney had four yellow cards and I wanted to help his condition and be ready for the game against Sunderland.”

Ighalo played the full game against Manchester City and compatriot Isaac Success joined him on the pitch on the hour mark.

Igho Kingsley