Ranieri to speak with Nigeria star after costly Watford mistake

A costly late error from the defender led to the Hornets to losing 2-1 to Brentford in the Premier League on Friday.

Watford manager Claudio Ranieri intends to hold talks with William Troost-Ekong after the defender gave away a late penalty at Brentford.

With the scoreline tied at 1-1, Troost-Ekong brought down Brentford substitute Saman Ghoddos in added time. The Nigeria international’s foul won the home side a penalty, which Bryan Mbeumo put away.

It resulted in a 2-1 defeat for Watford, and a seventh loss in nine Premier League games under Ranieri.

Is Troost-Ekong’s place at risk?

Ranieri couldn’t hide his disappointment at the final whistle, especially as the Hornets were 1-0 up seven minutes from time, but refused to say whether Troost-Ekong’s place in the team is in danger.

“Now we will see everything. I will speak with him [Troost-Ekong],” said the Italian in his post-match conference, as per Hertford Mercury.

“Also, I will have to see if there are some players ready to play because my defensive line is not ready to play. [Christian] Kabasele tonight wasn’t ready, [Francisco] Sierralta isn’t ready. I have to see.”

Emmanuel Dennis, meanwhile, scored Watford’s only goal of the match with a first-half header. The Nigerian striker has now scored seven times in his debut Premier League campaign.

He, Troost-Ekong, and the rest of the squad will hope to pick things up away to Burnley next Wednesday.