Arsenal 1-2 Watford: Quique Sanchez Flores pays tribute to travelling support after FA Cup triumph

Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores didn't have enough words to thanks the club's fans for helping his side to reach the FA Cup semi-final with an impressive 2-1 victory at Arsenal on Sunday (13 March). The Spanish boss believes that the win will give the Hornets the necessary "impetus" to finish his first season in the Premier League on a high.

Flores' side knocked out the FA Cup holders from the competition thanks to goals from Odion Ighalo and Adlene Guedioura in front of more than 8.000 travelling supporters.

"I don't have words for the fans of Watford," Flores said. "From the beginning of the season they've understood they are totally necessary in helping us achieve our targets.

"I always remember we are working for the fans. We are working hard and we are trying to represent their Watford. So we are very happy because we have helped the fans get to Wembley. It is a party for us. A great journey. I think this is an amazing moment for the people of Watford. For the fans, for the club and the players. And it gives us the necessary impetus for the last part of the season."

Ighalo put Watford ahead earlier in the second half before Guedioura doubled the lead with a wonderful strike. Substitute Danny Welbeck gave late hope to the Gunners after scoring a goal with two minutes to go but missed a great chance to force the replay in injury time.

Flores said that it was normal that Arsenal piled pressured later in the game but praised his side for holding on.

"It was difficult in the first half, we tried to contain Arsenal and then try to create attempts and play well. It was difficult in the end and we were expecting that a bit more during the game. In the last two months we were being competitive, but not winning. I have memories on television of the old Wembley and watching in Spain and seeing the finals of this competition.

"Now it is a new Wembley, I've just arrived in England, and to get there is exciting. I'm really happy for the fans and they deserve this kind of day."