Odion Ighalo has paid tribute to the Watford fans following the Hornets hard-fought 2-1 victory against Arsenal in the Emirates FA Cup on Sunday.

At least 8,300 supporters made the 15-mile journey from Watford to London and witnessed the Nigeria international net his first goal in eight games in the 50th minute against the defending champs.

 “It has always been great having them around, both in Vicarage Road and away,” said Ighalo to watfordfc.com in his post match comments on Sunday.

“I want to thank them for giving us their full support today. Without them we couldn’t win this game.

“We want them to come out again in numbers in our home game against Stoke and cheer us to victory.”

Sunday’s game against the Gunners was Ighalo’s first start for Watford in the FA Cup this season, with the striker coming off the bench against Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.

Igho Kingsely