Watford left it late on Tuesday night as Andre Gray scored a 90th-minute goal to give Watford a 1-1 draw giving them breathing space in 7th place in the Premier League table.
It wasn’t written as a record-setting day when Mike Dean signaled the start of the game, but just seven seconds into the game, Ben Foster was picking the ball out of his net before fans had made it to their seats. The quickest goal in Premier League history, as Shane Long charged down a misplaced ball from Craig Cathcart on the kick off that resulted in a chip over Foster and an early 1-0 Saints lead.
As Watford have done much of the season, they maintained composure and played “their game” controlling the tempo and the ball for over 62% of the game. Watford nearly paid for defensive mistakes as Ryan Bertrand and Shane Long both his the goalpost in the first half – Watford dodging a few bullets there. Andre Gray had a great opportunity to equalize after the Long goal, but after two bites of the apple, he sent the second over the goal.
Cathcart was replaced at halftime by Kiko Femenia, putting the Hornets into a three at the back formation with Adam Masina and Femenia down the flanks. Femenia would play a key role, as he was ever present down the right jumping into the attack. The Hornets looked more composed and played “their game” as they dominated the game, but couldn’t get that final ball, as some big chances went begging.
Deulofeu looked sharp, returning to fitness and a spot in the forward line, partnering with Gray. Roberto Pereyra had an excellent opportunity after a ball played in from the left by Deulofeu left him with a shot on goal only for Gunn to turn it away, just over the head of an onrushing Doucoure. Gray would level the game on the stroke of regular time though from a ball played in by Femenia to Janmaat who delivered a well placed ball for Gray to finish from a tight angle to secure a point for the Hornets.
Saints much improved
It’s been a tale of two seasons for the Saints, as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s appointment has turned around a club mired at the bottle of the table. Currently six points clear of relegation, he posted six wins since taking over as manager on December 5th, 2018, a far cry from the lone victory ahead of his appointment.
The Saints are rife with good, young talent with the likes of Angus Gunn, signed from Manchester City, Stuart Armstrong and James Ward-Prowse in the midfield. Given a summer to sign new players, this team could be much improved by the start of next season’s campaign.
Three wins in the final three games could go a long way for the team, as they play home to Bournemouth and Huddersfield, with an away trip to London Stadium and West Ham on the final day of the season.
Watford defensive woes
Defensively, Watford are better then what their clean sheets indicate, just seven for the season. Ben Foster has arguably played one of his best season’s at the, received accolades, but frustratingly walks away frustrated, as the defense has conceded some late and avoidable goals. Watford have lost seven games by a goal must to the frustration of Gracia.
During the upcoming summer transfer period, there is a need to find a centre back to take control of the games to play next to or replace Craig Cathcart. His mistake on Tuesday led to the goal and his removal by Gracia at halftime, being replaced by Femenia and a change in formation. Adrian Mariappa has played well, but he’s a squad player, not one to record 30-35 games a season.
Miguel Britos has been out of favor and played a part of six games and could be on his way out. Christian Kabasele, after a Boxing Day injury, missed approximately 10 games but was continually left out of the starting XI. Only recently, has he started to get a run playing in four out of the last six games.
Missing Deeney
Tuesday’s 1-1 draw highlighted the importance of Troy Deeney and the role he plays on the pitch as the captain and inspirational leader of the Hornets. His presence was solely missed, as the team was without direction, appearing unsettled.
Javi Gracia spoke of it after the game, “I prefer to wait until the end. I have my opinion, my personal opinion, but I prefer to not speak about that in this moment because we have to play important games.” The Hornets could cap off their best campaign in the Premier League with three wins and a potential FA Cup victory too.
Deeney’s role in the squad has changed with the addition of Deulofeu to the starting XI and being moved up front, out of position as a forward. Their movement and play over the course of the season have been excellent, as they complement each other. Deulofeu has the speed and precision while Deeney has the power and strength to hold up play making them a deadly combo.
