Watford 2017/2018 Premier League season preview

Football is back! After what seems to have felt like an eternity competitive football returns to Vicarage Road as The Hornets host Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Golden Boys have had another very busy summer off the pitch and yet another new manager will be in the hot seat at the start of the season. There is reason to be optimistic in the newest head coach Marco Silva, he very much gave a dead and buried Hull City team a chance of survival and had them playing entertaining football. Already he’s made a good impression in his short time at The Vic, the way he spoke in his opening news conference was refreshing to say the least. He is bringing in his style and looks to have a group of players who really want to thrive and compete under his headship. The fact he has the players all speaking (or learning) English on the training ground sits very well with me that he is in charge and not the players. It didn’t always seem last season that the head coach had the control over his players, arguably one of the reasons why last season was as dismal as it was. It’ll be interesting to see whether Watford’s new Portuguese coach can make Vicarage Road a fortress like he did the KCOM last season, it’ll be yet again vital that The Hornets make Hertfordshire a hard place to come.  

In terms of the playing squad there have been numerous changes yet again:

Outs: Permanent transfers

Juan Carlos Paredes – Emelec

Mario Suarez- Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng

Steven Berghuis –Feyenoord

Ins:

Will Hughes (Midfield) – Derby County

Kiko Femenia (Defender) – Alaves

Nathaniel Chalobah (Midfield) – Chelsea

Daniel Bachmann (Goalkeeper) - Free transfer

Andre Gray  (Striker) – Burnley (Club record fee)

Richarlison (Forward) - Fluminense

I am personally like many others excited with the business that has been done this summer so far. We have seriously strengthened the squad that finished last season, adding young talent which will significantly boost The Hornets chances of a successful season. What has been excellent is to see the change of transfer policy with so many English players being brought in (Hughes, Gray, Chalobah). Not only do they add quality to the team and they will also understand the importance of the English game in terms of having a connection with the fans something that was largely missing last season and was one of the major criticisms of former manager Walter Mazzarri. Chalobah obviously knows the club after previously spending time on loan at The Vic in 2013, I for one am thrilled to have him return because of his quality and the fact he has age on his side meaning he could become a permanent figure within the club. I for one think the Englishman could easily become the club captain in years to come, another English player Will Hughes has excelled in the championship at Derby County and has been presented with the chance to try his luck in the Premier League at Vicarage Road. I don’t think he will start as a permanent fixture in the first team and will most likely be on the bench but if he lives up to his billing he could be one of the first names on the team sheet by May. Watford’s newest recruit is Andre Gray who joined on a record fee from Burnley earlier this week, he again adds to the attacking options and has a proven Premier League scoring record after a relatively successful first season with Burnley. He can either lead the line on his own with his electric pace or he could play off the skipper Troy Deeney which could be a very exciting partnership as we know that Deeney has excelled when having someone playing off him. Richarlison’s deal came slightly out of the blue but he adds pace and flare, as well as versatility as he can play up top as well as on the wing which significantly adds to The Hornets attacking options.

The squad has outstanding depth and personally all I think we really need now is a new centre back and we look good all over the field. The competition will play a major factor in keeping the squad hungry and there really isn’t anyone guaranteed a starting place with so many quality players waiting in the wings.

My predictions:

First game: Watford 1-1 Liverpool

Final position- 13^th- a successful season where Watford are more consistent throughout the season.

Player of the season- Roberto Pereyra- The Argentinian midfielder is like a new signing for The Hornets after missing large parts of last season with injury. His flare is going to bolster The Hornets midfield and will most certainly create chances for the attacking line.  

Stay connected with my views throughout the season as I will be posting a report of each game this season. That will start Sunday following the Liverpool game.

Football is returning to WD18 and I have never been so optimistic. 

Crystal Palace 1-0 Watford

Only football has the effect to ruin my whole weekend and true to form it did against this weekend. Another dismal display saw The Hornets fall to a pitiful away defeat to Crystal Palace.

The week that led up to the game was the most nervous I've felt about a game all year knowing that if we were safe. I couldn't comprehend losing against Palace, I really should've prepared myself for it. It just felt inevitable from when the team was announced that we were going to lose. Why on earth Mazzari felt it was acceptable to play 4-5-1 against one of the worst defences in the league is beyond me. It left Deeney isolated up front and the lack of creativity was painful.

We were poor in the first half but certainly looked marginally more in control than Palace who knew they had to win the game. However neither keeper was tested in the opening 45, in truth the game wouldn't have looked out of place in League 2. For me we had to take the game to the Eagles and im sure the rest of the away allocation thought the same but the one person who matters stupidly disagrees. Mazzari had the chance to relieve the pressure and he completely bottled it.

The second half got worse, as Palace came into the game it was clear Watford were going to buckle under the pressure. The introduction of Nordin Amrabat was a positive but the negative tactics that our clueless Italian set us up with meant he didn't have an impact on the game.

The opening goal soon came and it wasn't for us (unsurprisingly!). Sebastian Prödl gave away a needless free kick in a dangerous position and was punished when Troy Deeney headed into his own net to give the hosts the lead.

On a side note Palace did the most cringeworthy thing in football with their announcer shouting OWN and their fans calling back GOAL. How we were losing to such a club is beyond me. Followed by the "Glad all over" the worst song in English Football the mood in the away end was dismal.

Doucoure had a speculative effort that was saved and thats about as good as it got to be honest. We never looked like scoring and we were a beaten team the minute the game kicked off. Palace failed to have a single shot on target all game and still won. That im afraid is unacceptable on Walter's part and the players part, there was no application.

The full time whistle blew and things turned toxic, the players came over to applaud the fans and they were rightly booed by many. Walter as per went straight down the tunnel and the only players that deserved any recognition were Gomes and Deeney for holding this club together.

For me Walter has to go, maybe not now but definitely at the end of the season. For the first time in my supporting life there is absolutely no connection between the fans and the manager. He has made no effort with the supporters, which is probably why there is such a large proportion who want him out.

We are probably safe lets face it, but it will end a disappointing season. When you reflect there hasn't been a consistent period where we've actually played really well. Change is needed to get this club back on the track it needs to be on and I am sure Gino has to be considering Walter's future.

Sunderland at home in a couple of weeks is the biggest game of the season without a doubt. A win and we are all but safe. Lose and we really are in trouble, particularly with a difficult run in where we play Spurs, Chelsea, Liverpool and City.

We go again and the players must pick themselves up, seeming as our manager cant seem to do anything right at the moment.


Palace 1-0 Watford

WFC man of the match: Erm??

Capoue v Pogba: Capoue is shite, so is Pogba.

Away day rating; 2/10- I enjoyed my beer before hand

Match rating- 0/10- Awful game.


@Adzrowe on twitter.

#WalterOut

Watford 3-4 Southampton

When I woke up Saturday I didn't get the buzz that I normally do for a home game. I have found myself losing interest in football as a whole recently and although I will always be passionate about Watford I have lost the drive to get to The Vic recently. Now although I am more than happy to be 13th in the Premier League I have had enough of consistent uninspiring performances that get served every week. 

I wasn't optimistic as I headed along Vicarage Road but it appeared I should have had more faith (well in the early stages anyway). Troy Deeney spectacularly volleyed the hornets in front inside 5 minutes, the way he adjusted his body to find the top corner was remarkable. In another day of dross, the skipper still proves there is some heart in this team. But just like last week against West Ham the hornets couldn't build on taking an early lead. Instead we sat back and let a very talented Southampton team come on to us, it was no surprise we were punished. 

The visitors equalised when more slack defending allowed Tadic to drill in a shot past Gomes to fire the saints deservedly level. It is so frustrating that we wait for the other team to equalise before we go looking for more goals, well this week we didn't really get the chance to retake the lead. Shortly before the break Nathan Redmond skipped past the statue like Hornets midfield and defence before slotting past Gomes. The Saints went in at half time 2-1 at the break. 

The addition of Isaac Success gave Watford some more creativity and we were level when Stefano Okaka scored from the Nigerians cross. It was well and truly game on I thought and the owners shouldve been on the home side to go on and take 3 points. Nope that doesn't happen under Walter Mzzarri. 

The visitors restored their lead very quickly when Gomes spilled Boufal's long range effort leaving in form Gabbiadini with a tap to send the travelling fans into raptures. We didn't deserve to be level in the first place, I am not sure anyone knew what formation we were playing or how we were meant to be playing. A fourth goals soon came when Redmond again was allowed the freedom of Vicarage Road to fire another past Gomes. Docuoure pulled a goal back at the death but it was too little too late and Mazzari got exactly what he deserved. 

There is absolutely no identity about this team and I am affraid the buck stops right at the manager. Mazzari plays the most negative football I have seen at Vicarage Road in a long time and his questionable tactics/team selections don't make it any easier to warm to him. Why on earth would you play Younes Kaboul at right back against Nathan Redmond? It was only going to end catastrophically. Now if I and 20,000 others can notice that then why cant he. 

Furthermore the lack of connection between this team and the fans is horrendous, again the manager is behind this. How can you warm to a squad and a manager when you have to listen to everything he says through a translator? Not that I want to hear a word he says when he says things like "we deserved to draw" when it is quite frankly obvious we deserved ZERO. 

Theres no unity and there is no spirit at the moment and until either Walter changes or another managerial move is made then I'm afraid things aren't going to get any better. It is time Mazzari fronted up to some of the clear errors he is making, if he did I don't think anyone would be half as angry with him or the team. What makes it worse is that this is the most talented squad we have ever had in the modern era and they aren't producing half of what they could. Maybe if we played a suitable style their full potential would be unleashed. 

For now though we stick with the football club and we move on to Palace away in two weeks time. The fact the away end hasn't sold out says enough to me and surely the board should see that too. 

I really don't want to be negative but after yesterday I really don't feel like theres anything positive to say. 

We go again!

You 'Orns!

Watford 3-4 Southampton 

Man of the match- Stefano Okaka- he held the ball up well and neatly took his goal. I would have him start again against Palace. 

Pogba v Capoue- I cant believe I even thought this feature was a good idea. Although when Capoue is playing as a wide midfielder then you cant blame him. 

Next game: Crystal Palace (A): 

@Adzrowe on twitter 

My Watford XI 2005-present

With The Hornets not in action this weekend I decided that I would create my a Watford XI from my time of supporting The Hornets. Don’t take players positions too seriously, it was hard to fit the players I wanted to into the squad. 

Goalkeeper:

Ben Foster- Single handily kept us in games at times when we were in the Premier League in 2007. Also played a vital role in the promotion campaign of 2005/2006. The fact he played in a somewhat weaker squad means he edges it over Gomes.

Defence (Back 3)

Jay Demerit: Jay Demerit optimised everything that is great about a footballer, gave it his all every game no matter what position the club found itself in. His passion for the club carried through the team meaning he would also be my captain for this side.

Danny Shittu: Many will find this controversial but since ive been supporting Watford we haven’t been particularly blessed with amazing defenders. Shittu had all e characters of a solid centre back, he was strong, tall and importantly he popped up with goals which is always important in any team.

Gabriele Angella- The first player to make my team from the Pozzo era is another goal scoring centre back. At times he wasn’t particularly the best defender but he certainly blends in with the passionate side of my team. Scored many goals during his time at Vicarage Road and probably makes this team on the merit that we haven’t had many gifted centre backs since 2005.

Midfield (4):

Almen Abdi- By far the most gifted player I have seen in a Watford shirt. His dynamic midfield play under Gianfranco Zola in his first season was breath taking to watch at times. He could score goals from almost anywhere, pick a pass through the tiniest of gaps and he could score from set pieces. His versatile nature where he would slot in anywhere if it was to help the team matches the DNA of togetherness that stands at Watford Football Club. He is everything you want in a midfield player.

Nathaniel Chalobah: Another player he took The Vic by storm during the Pozzo era, albeit on loan from Chelsea. Chalobah is an all-round midfield player who could do the dirty work as well as the technical stuff. He played an instrumental role in getting us to the play off final and who can forget his thunderbolt against Leicester.

John Eustace A controversial pick to many but when times were tough at Vicarage Road, John Eustace always carried the team with his passion and commitment to the club. He again does all the dirty work and slots in perfectly to this team as he will break up the play, as well as offer something going forward. This would be the player that allows the creative players to do their thing. He can also can score an overhead kick if things aren’t going our way.

Ashley Young: Another technically gifted player and one of the best ive seen during my time as a Watford supporter. Young was an integral part to our promotion in 2006, he could score goals, as well as provide them. I had to have someone who’s “one of our own” in this team and there wasn’t a better fit than Young. Another set piece specialist too and he can score goals from various distances. I was absolutely devastated as a young 8 year old when Ashley left us in 2007.

Attack (3)

Troy Deeney: Some will say it’s unfair I haven’t made Troy captain because he is the life and soul of our club and has been since he was appointed captain in 2013. Deeney bully’s defenders and doesn’t give them a moments piece. Despite his off the pitch actions, any aspiring footballer should look up to Troy’s attitude and loyalty. Forgetting his attitude, the most important thing is that he scores goals and all different types of goals too. He is without the doubt the first name on my team sheet, he will leave a Watford legend no matter what.

Marlon King: Despite his off the pitch misdemeanours, Marlon King was my first footballing role model. The way he found the net in what felt like every game in 2005/2006 season made me adore him, he was the first name I got on my Watford shirt.  A natural finisher and another passionate player who in my eyes still goes down as an important player in the history of Watford Football Club.

Matej Vydra: The most natural finisher I’ve seen in my footballing supporting life, when he went through it was always inevitable he was going to score. His ability from one on one opportunities was incredible, his goal against Leicester in that remarkable play-off game shows he also has a natural eye for where the goal is. The one player that I feel gutted didn’t make it with us in the Premier League. Him and Deeney playing in this side would be lethal to any team.

Subs (7)

Gomes: He could’ve easily made it into the number one role because he is an incredible goalkeeper and is someone that has really taken to the “Watford way”. His passion for the game is second to none and the connection he has with the fans is brilliant. On top of that he is a brilliant goalkeeper who has all the attributes a keeper needs. His reflexes are unbelievable and we all know what happens if he has to face a penalty.

Malky Mackay: Despite his managerial departure from the club, Malky made quite an impact at Vicarage Road, on the pitch he was a commanding centre back who very much guided Jay Demerit in his younger years and was part of the side that were remarkably promoted to the Premier League. As manager he did at times play some fantastic football and consolidated our place in the championship with a shoestring budget.

Lloyd Doyley: Okay he wasn’t one of our best players but no one can take anything away from “Mr Watford” until recent years he was a constant reminder of what Watford were all about in terms of bringing players through. He has seen and played through it all at Vicarage Road so for this reason he makes my team. Also at times he was a consistently decent player for us and other than Almunia was one of our best performers at Wembley in that forgettable play off final

Tommy Smith: You can play Tommy Smith in a number of roles and he is another player who will always have a special place amongst many Watford fans memories. In his second spell with us between 2006-2009 he scored 27 goals. My memory of him would be when he used to cut in and fire into the far corner, he was another one that when he had the ball you knew he was capable of something.

Odion Ighalo: Despite his Watford career finishing on a sour note, he was a remarkable player for us baring in mind his record before he joined The Hornets. His goals firstly fired us to the Premier League, then without his goal we most certainly wouldn’t have stayed in the league last season. Another player who changed did the important thing of finding the goal.

Fernando Forestieri: The little Italian absolutely loves the club and he is loved back by the fans. At times he would drift through games but when he got the ball an air of excitement would go round Vicarage Road. Some of the things he did with the ball were sublime and he will always be remembered for his skill and some of the world class goals he scored.

Danny Graham: The scot rounds off what is a very attacking bench! Graham was another player who could win points on his own with the goals he scored, lets be honest some of the goals he scored kept us in the championship back in the 2009/2010 season when things looked bleak. A likeable character and an all-round hard worker, the partnership he formed with Helguson will always stick as one of my favourite strike partnerships.

Manager: Gianfranco Zola: Gianfranco played some of the best football I have ever seen Watford play in that 2012/2013 season where he led us to a play off final at Wembley. The quick passing and some of the goals we scored were world class. It is a shame how it ended with him but he has provided some games that I for one will never forget.

I would love to hear your all time Watford team and what you think of my team. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Manchester United 2-0 Watford

Manchester United at Old Trafford was always going to be a difficult game for The Hornets and it proved to be the case, as the Red Devils took all 3 points.

As I headed north I was some what optimistic about what we could get from the game, but did accept that Man United are on a fine run of form meaning it would be very difficult. However hard the game is I don't think you can ever travel to a game willing to accept defeat.

This was my first ever trip to Old Trafford and it didn't get off to a good start as I broke my phone beyond repair on the way up. This meant I had to buy a new phone from the second hand shop, thankfully I had a sympathetic Dad who transferred the money!!

After the bad situation i'm going to name "iPhone gate" I headed for my usual pre match pint and made the journey to the ground. It is embarrassing to see just how many southern accents you could hear amongst the United fans. There were many that we saw on train from the south, makes you appreciate supporting your local team.

Old Trafford as a stadium is mammoth in size but I have to say it doesn't particularly caputre the imagination that I thought it might. It is just a big football stadium in fairness. I don't want this to come across bitter because the result doesn't effect my opinion on a club or their stadium!

The game it self was an open one with plenty of chances for both teams, particularly United. Watford started well in the opening 20 minutes and nearly found The opener through a long range Jose Holebas thunderbolt, however it flashed past the post. Mauro Zarate went for a spectacular overhead kick but it went straight at De Gea.

After a promising opening 20 minutes, the hosts came right back into the game and created numerous chances. Gomes made countless saves to keep Watford alive put the pressure proved too much as the hosts eventually took the lead. Martial's cut back was tapped home by Mata, it was more than deserved as United had so many clear cut chances.

I have to say we didn't at all respond to going behind and sort of let United play for the final moments of the half, there seemed to be a complete lack of belief. Something I find strange baring in mind are two previous games. The half came to a close with United only being one goal to the good.

The second half was much better with The Hornets moving the ball well at times but there didn't create too many clear chances. Mauro Zarate did force De Gea into a world class save as the Spaniard tipped round a free kick from roughly 25 yards out.

However United secured all three points when Capoue lost the ball and Martial slotted past Gomes following some neat build up play by the Man United midfield.

Deeney tested De Gea with a strong shot after superbly holding off Eric Bailly (who is superb by the way). Niang fizzed a ball into the six yard box but there wasn't a white shirt attacking the ball.

The game meandered to a close with United deservedly taking the points but left quite a few positives for Mazzari to take from our second half performance. All in all its 3 points against Man United this season most take absolutely none.

I write this as I watch a relegation six pointer between Swansea and Leicester, I feel grateful that for now we aren't in a dog fight. A couple more wins and I believe we are safe, with lots of winnable home games to come to!

All in all a good day and I know full well we will be returning to Old Trafford in the Premier League next season.

Onto West Ham in a couple of weeks- we best win that one a lot of my pals at uni are West Ham fans!!

You 'Orns!

Manchester United 2-0 Watford

Hornets man of the match- Gomes- made some superb saves to keep Watford in it.

Game rating- 5/10

Away day rating- 5/10

Iphones purchased- 1


@Adzrowe on twitter

Watford 2-1 Burnley

What a difference a week makes... this time last week our season was over and we all went into the week anxious of how it could be a week that ends us in more trouble.

Well weren't 99% of our fanbase wrong, after an excellent three points against Arsenal on Tuesday the mood was high for the home match against Burnley.

There was a sense of genuine optimism at Vicarage Road for the first time in a long time and things got better when we had an almost fully fit side for the vital Premier League clash.
 Mbaye Niang and Mauro Zarate both made home debuts and there was a good mix of attacking threat and defensive balance from Mzzarri's side.

After a strong opening five minutes, The Hornets were handed a further boost when The Clarets were down to ten men following a dangerous tackle from Jeff Hendrick. Michael Oliver made no mistake with his decision and all that was needed was the go ahead goal.

It didn't take long for the opener to come, Niang swept in a perfect cross and Troy Deeney climbed above the Burnley defence to power a header past Tom Heaton. It was the first time in a long time we've had a winger who could actually produce an end product, something im certain Deeney will thrive off.

Further chances came, with Niang coming closest when his long range strike was brilliantly saved by Heaton. Zarate also flashed a shot just passed the Rookery end goal. The Hornets were on top looking for a second goal that would end the game.

The second goal came in injury time at the end of the first half, Holebas crossed for Niang who superbly headed into the far bottom corner. It was a fantastic goal, for Niang to get enough power and accuracy to find the far corner. It was hopefully the first of many goals the Frenchman will score.

Strangely in the second half, The Hornets sat back and let Burnley back into the game. Several Clarets set pieces came and went without the visitors scoring but they were certainly a threat.

With 10 minutes left, Burnley were handed a lifeline (literally) when Sebastian Prodl was adjudged to handle Joey Barton's effort on goal. Ashely Barnes made no mistake from the spot leaving Gomes with no chance.

Thankfully the Golden Boys held on for all three points which relieves the pressure on Mazzari for the time being. However the game was a lot closer than it should've been and it could be said that in the end Watford could've been badly punished.

However it is six points in a week which is never easy in the Premier League, the confidence is back at Vicarage Road. As a result we now sit 10th in the league which is pretty remarkable considering our recent form.

Roll on United!

You 'Orns!

Watford 2-1 Burnley

Man of the match- Mbaye Niang

Match rating- 6/10

Next fixture- United at Old Trafford.

@adzrowe on twitter.

Arsenal 1-2 Watford

Football is a funny old sport, after a devastating defeat to Millwall in the FA Cup Sunday the last thing Watford needed was a trip to The Emirates to take on an in form Arsenal team. Well it seemed that way anyway!

A 9 am seminar wasn't the way I wanted to start what I perceived was going to be another miserable away day. I explained to the others at uni that we were probably going to spanked 4-0 (just to cover my back) but my mate who's a Gooner said he had a bad feeling about the game.

Anyhow as I made the relatively short journey to North London that sense of false optimism that all football fans get returned. Me and my mate made jokes of how funny would it be if we actually took 3 points. I was preparing to build myself up in belief to have football crush me back down again but as I walked down from the station a sudden belief came that we could actually get something from the game.

Boy what a start The Hornets made, we took the game to the hosts right from the off and were showing the fight and grit that was missing on Sunday. In the 10th minute we were rewarded. Cleverely laid his free kick to Kaboul who optimistically struck it at goal but a deflection sent it past Cech to send the away end into raptures. The almost 3000 Watford fans went crazy and it was no less than what we deserved.

Things got even better just three minutes later. A loose throw in was picked up by Capoue just inside the Arsenal half, he ran through a slack Arsenal defence and shot at Cech who could only parry it into the path of Troy Deeney who slotted into an empty net. If the place went crazy at 1-0 it went potty at 2-0 an air of disbelief swept round the away end.

The Hornets continued to take the game to the title challengers and could've been 3 up in truth if it hadn't been for the Arsenal keeper who saved from Prödl and Janmaat respectively. Its the best half of football I've seen us play in a long time. Arsenal as usual had a lot of the ball but didn't test Gomes once in the first half, we deservedly went in 2-0 at the break.

After 15 minutes of partying on the concourse, with a beer in hand of course, it was time to go back to watch the inevitable 45 minute onslaught that was going to follow from The Gooners.

Just 13 minutes into the second half Arsenal were back in the game, a delightful chipped cross from Sanchez found Iwobi unmarked at the back post and he made no mistake with the finish. So just the 32 minutes to cling on to the three points.

There were some close moments particularly towards the end when Perez smashed the ball against the underside of the Watford crossbar. But even though we rode our luck we played with unity, passion and determination which is exactly what I and many others have been crying out for. Do you know what despite the pressure we still had a say in the game and were always a threat with the pace we had on the counter.

Thankfully the hosts didn't level the game and after 5 minutes of added time The Hornets recorded a 2-1 victory at The Emirates for the second time in two seasons. On the balance of the game we probably deserved it and it's a very welcome three points.

Thats our first top flight victory over Arsenal since 1988 and boy the team showed everyone what they can do when they play as a unit and not as individuals. Now we just need to back this up with another three points which would give us some daylight from the relegation battle.

I write this blog on the day of GT's funeral and last nights performance was one that he most certainly would've been proud of. The chants of 'one Graham Taylor' at the end said it all and how much we knew the win was for him as much as it was for us.

This ones for you GT!
You 'Orns!

Arsenal 1-2 Watford
Man of the match- Gomes- made some outstanding saves second half. Special mention for Capoue who was absolutely fantastic and controlled the game.

Away Day rating- 6/10- I don't particularly like going to The Emirates but tonight was good

Game rating- 9/10- fantastic performance

Next match- Burnley (H)

@Adzrowe on twitter