10-man Watford beat Kompany's Burnley to go top without Emmanuel Dennis

Rob Edwards-led Watford climbed to the top of the English Championship table with a victory over Vincent Kompany's Burnley despite playing without star striker Emmanuel Dennis.

The Hornets picked up a 1-0 victory at Vicarage Road on Friday night courtesy of Tom Cleverley's goal in first-half added time as last season's Premier League bottom-dwellers continue their unbeaten start to the Championship.

Nigerian international Dennis was not part of the squad that played Burnley, presumably as a result of his imminent move to Nottingham Forest.

Pulse Sports Nigeria earlier reported that the 25-year-old forward was close to signing for Nottingham Forest with an agreement on the transfer fee said to already be in place between both clubs.

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Dennis was thus, totally left out of the 17-man Matchday squad to face Burnley for the first match of Matchday 3 in England's second-tier division.

The former Club Brugge forward had featured in all Championship matches for Watford this season (against Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion) up until Friday's visit of Burnley.

Instead, Watford boss Edwards chose Joao Pedro as the lone striker with Ismaila Sarr, Cleverley, and Sema providing back-up for the young Brazilian forward. 

In Dennis' absence, Watford were dominated by the visiting Clarets but held on for a slim 1-0 victory courtesy of Cleverley's goal in the second minute of first-half added time through a Ken Sema assist.

The Hornets also had to play the last nine minutes (plus added time) of the game one-man short after Ivory Coast defender Hassane Kamara was shown a straight red card in the 81st minute for a last-man tackle. 

However, the hosts held on to their lead despite a barrage of attacks from Burnley in the final minutes of the match. 

The victory moves Watford to the top of the English Championship table with seven (7) points from the three matches played so far, having played one match more than the rest of the league.

Watford's next game is away at the St. Andrew's Trillion Trophy Stadium when they take on Birmingham City on Tuesday, August 16, 2022.