It’s been a season to remember so far for Watford as they continue to sit in the top half of the Premier League table and now Odion Ighalo and Quique Sanchez Flores have been named as Player and Manager of the Month for December.
The Hornets have performed above all expectations so far and currently lie in tenth but remain just four points outside the top six.
A major reason why they’ve been punching above their weight is the form of striker Ighalo, who netted five goals last month.
The Nigerian has been a revelation so far and netted twice against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on December 20 to earn the Hornets a stunning 3-0 win.
The 26-year-old bullied Martin Sktrel for the first goal and terrorised the Reds defence alongside his strike partner Troy Deeney.
Some of Europe’s biggest clubs have been credited with an interest in Ighalo but he’s reaffirmed his commitment to the project at Vicarage Road.
But the form of Ighalo comes down to Quique Sanchez Flores, who only joined the club in the summer, as he’s managed to get the best out of the striker.
The Spaniard saw off competition from Arsene Wenger, Claudio Ranieri and Alan Pardew to claim the coveted Manager of the Month award.
Sanchez Flores arrived in the Premier League following the surprise sacking Slavisa Jokanovic, who helped the club earn promotion from the Championship last season.
But the former Atletico Madrid boss has worked wonders at Vicarage Road and inspired his side to victories over Liverpool, Sunderland and Norwich to consolidate their position in the top half of the Premier League table.
The Hornets, who suffered a disappointing loss to Southampton in their last outing, will be looking to get back on track when travel to struggling Swansea on Monday.
Sanchez Flores’ men could climb as high as seventh after the clash, provided other results go their way.
