Watford have returned to the top half of the Premier League table with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.

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The Hornets went into the game at Vicarage Road having failed to register a league win since December 20, and they were second best to the visitors during the opening 20 minutes, despite Magpies stopper Rob Elliot denying both Troy Deeney and Etienne Capoue.

At the other end, Heurelho Gomes pulled off an equally impressive save from Aleksandar Mitrovic, and it was an intervention that proved decisive as Watford took control during the opening moments of the second half.

After Deeney clipped the ball through to Odion Ighalo, his strike partner rounded Elliot before finding the back of the net for his 14th goal of the season.

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The Nigerian striker then turned provider for Watford's second, which came just before the hour as Craig Cathcart drove the ball past Elliot.

Newcastle pulled one back through Jamaal Lascelles with 19 minutes remaining but that was as good as it got for the Magpies, who failed to build on four points earned against Manchester United and West Ham United.

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Quique Flores's side move into 10th place as a result of the win, while Newcastle remain in 18th spot.