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Soccer News of Saturday, 23 January 2021

Source: legit.ng

John Obi Mikel caused us some problems - Will Hughes hails Nigerian midfielder

John Obi Mikel John Obi Mikel

Will Hughes has heaped praises on Super Eagles legend John Obi Mikel after shinning during Watford's 2-1 triumph over Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium earlier this weekend.

The 33-year-old saw action all through 90 minutes of the Championship game and made it difficult for the visitors to operate in the midfield.

Two second-half goals from Troy Deeney and Ismaila Sarr helped the Hornets overcome Michael O'Neill's men on their turf.

While Steven Fletcher's 83rd-minute strike only ended up a mere consolation after both sides failed to find the back of the net in the opening half.

John Obi Mikel contending the ball with Troy Deeney during Stoke City's 2-1 defeat to Watford.

It was Chelsea legend's 20th appearance of the season across competitions for the Potters so far this campaign as Stoke sit eighth on the log with 37 points after 26 matches. Hughes told the club website.

“We did a lot better in the second half with how we pressed because their formation caused us a few issues in the first half.

“The three in midfield caused us some problems in terms of who was going out to press who and [John] Obi Mikel had a lot of the ball, so we found it hard.

“In the second half we stayed higher up the pitch and pressed a bit more and when you do that in this league you’re not going to find many teams who can play through it. When you apply pressure you’re going to get the ball in the right areas and create things.”

Watford are currently third on the table with 46 points - the same as Swansea City while Norwich City remain at the summit with 53 points.