After three successive defeats, Watford opened their account for the season by securing a point away to Newcastle.
However, the Hornets remain bottom of the table, despite a significantly improved performance.
Meanwhile, Newcastle move up to 14th after Fabian Schar’s shot from inside the box, just before half time, levelled proceedings for the hosts.
Before that Will Hughes had put the Hornets in front after two minutes, slotting past Martin Dubravka after Tom Clevery’s shot was deflected.
Pressure on Javi Gracia mounts
Four games into the season and Javi Gracia’s days currently appear to be numbered. The Watford manager’s woeful form at the end of last term was put down to their run to the FA Cup final, but that has not lasted long in the memory.
Considering the typical length of a manager’s stay at Vicarage Road, Gracia is already on borrowed time. As well as this, starting the campaign with three defeats has made him the favourite to become the first Premier League manager to be sacked.
While he still has a long way to go, his side’s performance was, at times, envigorated, and picking up a point against Newcastle is a step in the right direction.
Sarr yet to make an impact on the Premier League
One of the main issues for the Hornets this season has been their lack of goals; in four games they have managed just two. One man who was brought in to improve attacking options was Ismaila Sarr, for a club-record fee. Though currently the Senegalese international is yet to make his first Premier League start.
The winger was capable of scoring and assisting for Rennes last term to the tune of 20 goals in Ligue 1 and the Europa League. His dynamism bursting through the opposition lines is exactly what Watford have been missing so far, and it surely can’t be long before Sarr makes his first Premier League start.
Newcastle’s absentees sorely missed
Though Steve Bruce did a reasonable job of setting Newcastle up tactically on Saturday, neither side named an attacking line-up. Though in Bruce’s case this was not entirely his fault the Magpies are struggling with an ever-increasing injury list. Currently, Allan Saint-Maximin, Andy Carroll, Florian Lejune, Dwight Gayle, DeAndre Yedlin and Matt Ritchie are all out injured. Meanwhile, Joelinton, Jamall Lascelles and Miguel Almiron all played against Watford but were not at full fitness.
Fortunately for Bruce, Newcastle only have one more game before the international break, after which most of the squad should be available. The Magpies will need to try and keep their options at full strength if they are to avoid relegation this term and may look short of options against Liverpool next weekend.
Up Next:
Newcastle visit Anfield on Saturday the 14th of September, while Watford host Arsenal the following day.
