Watford's improved form continued on Saturday as they secured a 3-0 win over relegation rivals Aston Villa to move three points behind 17th-placed West Ham United.
While the arrival of Nigel Pearson has reinvigorated the Hornets, captain Troy Deeney has also been an influential figure after returning from injury.
Deeney starred for 10-man Watford against Villa, taking his tally to three goals in as many matches and impressing Premier League Champion Alan Shearer.
"He led from the front and struck two goals in a real captain’s performance," said Shearer, who names Deeney in his Matchweek 20 Team of the Week.
4️⃣ @WatfordFC players feature in @alanshearer's Team of the Week
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 30, 2019
Agree with his picks? pic.twitter.com/lWtqUQxDp6
Ben Foster (WAT) WAT 3-0 AVL
Made a crucial save when the match was goalless, denying Wesley with his foot, as the veteran’s fine season continues.
James Justin (LEI) WHU 1-2 LEI
The 21-year-old seized his chance in his first Premier League start and was one of the standout performers in Leicester City's away win.
Christian Kabasele (WAT) WAT 3-0 AVL
A key figure in a superb defensive effort, he covered the right side impressively after the dismissal of full-back Adrian Mariappa.
Joe Gomez (LIV) LIV 1-0 WOL
Kept Adama Traore and co quiet as Wolverhampton Wanderers looked for an equaliser. That’s now four clean sheets in a row since the 22-year-old came into the defence.
Brandon Williams (MUN) BUR 0-2 MUN
The 19-year-old produced an accomplished display at left-back and helped Manchester United secure their first clean sheet in 15 Premier League away matches.
Ismaila Sarr (WAT) WAT 3-0 AVL
Ran riot against Villa and capped a strong all-round performance with a deserved goal.
Aaron Mooy (BHA) BHA 2-0 BOU
The Australian pulled the strings for Brighton & Hove Albion and his goal was fantastic.
Kevin De Bruyne (MCI) MCI 2-0 SHU
Racked up his 12th Premier League assist of the season and then his seventh goal, which was superb. What a player.
Sadio Mane (LIV) LIV 1-0 WOL
Scored the decisive goal and was Liverpool’s main attacking threat.
Troy Deeney (WAT) WAT 3-0 AVL
Led from the front and struck two goals in a real captain’s performance.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (EVE) NEW 1-2 EVE
Struck twice, taking his tally to three goals in two matches under Carlo Ancelotti as the Italian maintained his winning start.
Manager: Frank Lampard (CHE) ARS 1-2 CHE
The introduction of Jorginho turned the match and showed Lampard's adaptability. This was another brilliant away win.
