Match ends, Watford 3, Leeds United 0.
WatfordWatford3LeedsLeeds United0
New Leeds owner Massimo Cellino was at Vicarage Road to see his side thrashed by play-off chasing Watford.
Cellino confirmed earlier in the day that he had completed his controversial takeover of the Elland Road outfit.
Almen Abdi gave Watford an early lead when he nodded home Ikechi Anya's cross, before Anya headed the second from Marco Davide Faraoni's centre.
Troy Deeney's close-range strike left Watford seven points off sixth with a game in hand. Leeds have one win in 12.
Indeed Leeds could count themselves fortunate their latest setback was not even heavier.
Keeper Jack Butland had to deny Deeney, who also saw a late effort sail narrowly wide.
Noel Hunt failed to convert Leeds' only decent chance, provided by Dominic Poleon, early in the second half. And the striker nearly landed himself in trouble with a late challenge on Faraoni that earned him a yellow card.
Watford remain unbeaten at home since January 11 and are now seven points off the final play-off spot with a game in hand.
Watford manager Beppe Sannino: "I don't like to speak about the play-offs. I like to speak about the next match.
"It was a good win. Now we have six matches to play and hope to collect as many points as possible."
Leeds manager Brian McDermott: "Of course I'm under pressure - results suggest that.
"I'm not in a strong position now because of the results we've had over a period of time.
"I met [Cellino] before the game. We just talked about football. He's not looking to give me any assurances - I wouldn't expect any.
"He's an ambitious man; that's certainly not the sort of performance he wants to see.
"There's a big job here. It's a big club and there's a lot to be done, but he's got the clout to do it."
Line-ups
Watford
Formation 3-5-1-1
- 1Almunia
- 19Faraoni
- 15RieraSubstituted forPudilat 86'minutes
- 6Ekstrand
- 4Angella
- 27CassettiBooked at 28mins
- 22AbdiSubstituted forMcGuganat 85'minutes
- 16MurraySubstituted forMerkelat 90'minutes
- 9DeeneyBooked at 67mins
- 21Anya
- 28Tözsér
Substitutes
- 5Belkalem
- 8Merkel
- 10McGugan
- 13Ranegie
- 18Pudil
- 30Bond
- 31Hoban
Leeds
Formation 4-4-2
- 30Butland
- 22WoottonBooked at 49mins
- 15Warnock
- 17Brown
- 4Lees
- 5Pearce
- 26Poleon
- 18Tonge
- 10HuntBooked at 61minsSubstituted forSmithat 67'minutes
- 44McCormackSubstituted forWhiteat 82'minutes
- 36MowattSubstituted forStewartat 45'minutes
Substitutes
- 6Murphy
- 14White
- 16Pugh
- 20Smith
- 24Zaliukas
- 28Stewart
- 33Cairns
- Referee:
- Gavin Ward
- Attendance:
- 16,212
Match Stats
Home TeamWatfordAway TeamLeeds
- Possession
- Home41%
- Away59%
- Shots
- Home9
- Away9
- Shots on Target
- Home5
- Away4
- Corners
- Home4
- Away1
- Fouls
- Home10
- Away6
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Watford 3, Leeds United 0.
Post update
Foul by Cameron Stewart (Leeds United).
Post update
Daniel Pudil (Watford) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution
Substitution, Watford. Alexander Merkel replaces Sean Murray.
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Offside, Leeds United. Michael Brown tries a through ball, but Matt Smith is caught offside.
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Corner, Watford. Conceded by Cameron Stewart.
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Attempt blocked. Sean Murray (Watford) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
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Corner, Watford. Conceded by Jason Pearce.
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Attempt blocked. Lewis McGugan (Watford) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is blocked.
Substitution
Substitution, Watford. Daniel Pudil replaces Albert Riera.
Substitution
Substitution, Watford. Lewis McGugan replaces Almen Abdi.
Substitution
Substitution, Leeds United. Aidan White replaces Ross McCormack.
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Attempt missed. Stephen Warnock (Leeds United) left footed shot from the left side of the box is too high. Assisted by Scott Wootton with a cross.
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Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Marco Cassetti.
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Delay over. They are ready to continue.
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Delay in match Dominic Poleon (Leeds United) because of an injury.
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Corner, Watford. Conceded by Jack Butland.
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Attempt saved. Troy Deeney (Watford) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Ikechi Anya.
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Attempt saved. Dominic Poleon (Leeds United) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Ross McCormack.
