If the mumbles coming from the Watford FC fans are anything to go by then the Hornets are in free-fall; unable to move forward with any substance, unknowing of the best eleven, a manager incapable of making any decisions, and lacking imagination. Thank goodness we don’t run the club. From the four Premier League matches so far Watford have drawn three and lost one, scoring two and conceding four. Those four games have been a 2-2 draw with Everton away, two goalless draws at home against West Brom and Southampton, and a 2-0 defeat to Manchester city at the Etihad Stadium. Quique Sanchez Flores is building stability and has brought in some astute signings, but what else have we learnt from the opening month of the season?
Watford are/were expected to struggle this season. Many ‘experts’ tipped the Hornets for the drop; bottom of the table, without a hope in hell of mounting any sought of challenge to the league, and should probably just enjoy the ride. How wrong they are/were. On the opening day of the season, Everton hosted the newly promoted Hornets and were surprised from the outset as Watford took the game to their opposition; deservedly gaining a point from Goodison Park. However it could have been far more as the new boys twice took the lead in a competent and aggressive display of football. West Brom were next up and the first visitors to Vicarage Road. Sadly the away side came for a draw and got what they wanted. With little attacking intention, a solid and well drilled structure, and a defensive mentality, West Brom held Watford to a goalless draw. Watford were similarly frustrated by Southampton a week later as the Saints played out an entertaining goalless draw. However Manchester City provided a much sterner test at the Etihad Stadium the following week. From the start Manchester City moved in waves and stretched Watford’s defence. But it wasn’t until the 47th minute that City broke the deadlock through Raheem Sterling. Fernandinho put the game to bed nine minutes later and although Watford pressed up field, they were unable to utilise their attacking options and failed to score for the third match in a row.
Looking at the four matches in more detail (and ignoring the League Cup loss to Preston North End), a few individuals have shone brightest: Allan Nyom, Odion Ighalo, and Ikechi Anya. Gomes and Prodl are two other players of note having performed and communicated well within a new defensive line, but the three players aforementioned have earned Watford substantial respect across the league.
Allan Nyom remains a somewhat unknown quantity. But not for much longer. Born in France, the 27 year old began his career at AS Nancy-Lorraine and AC Arles-Avignon before entering the Pozzo network through Udinese. The Cameroon International was immediately loaned to partner club Granada. In the 208 appearances for the Andalusian side, Nyom helped them reach La Liga and became renowned for his dominant and aggressive performances in defence. In July of this year Nyom moved to the Hornets and has already become a fan-favourite. Standing at 6 foot 2, Nyom has a commanding presence on the field. He reads the game like a seasoned Premier League player, and his strength and speed imply that he could play anywhere on the pitch. As it is, Nyom has the capacity to take this Watford side beyond just ‘surviving’ in the Premier League and has been the most impressive addition brought in by manager, Quique Sanchez Flores.
Odion Ighalo is another fan-favourite having arrived at Watford in July of 2014 on loan and signed permanently three months later. Following 20 goals in 35 appearances last season, Ighalo was a vital asset in Watford’s promotion season and was called up to the Nigeria national team in March of this year. Having made his debut against Uganda, Ighalo has moved from strength to strength in a well-organised Watford side. His goal against Everton in the 83rd minute further demonstrated the skill and talent he possesses: receiving the ball close to 40 yards out, Ighalo drove to the edge of the Everton box before bringing the ball back onto his right foot. Feigning to take an early strike to deceive an oncoming defence, Ighalo used the extra second or so to open up his body again to drill the ball into the bottom right corner of the net, away from the outstretched hands of Tim Howard. Ighalo has the ability to challenge any defence in this league and will continue to score goals.
To the outside world, Ikechi Anya has always been a Premier League winger thanks to his superb displays for Scotland, but Anya has taken the scenic route to reach the Premier League. Having started out at Wycombe Wanderers, Anya went on to play for Oxford United, Halesowen Town, Northampton Town, Sevilla Atletico, Celta Vigo, Granada and Cadiz. In August 2012, Watford signed Ikechi Anya from Granada. In a Watford shirt Anya’s position in the team at Championship level has been up for debate. Slow to track back, hit and miss delivery into the box, and lack of physical strength, Anya’s value has been questioned by some supporters. However there is no replacement for talent and Anya has that in abundance. In the Premier League, Anya has started to show his full potential from wing-back. His pace, willingness and confidence to go forward, improved work-rate in getting back, and imagination have added a dimension to the Golden Boys that will trouble most if not all sides in the top league of English football.
Nevertheless, the influx of new players has seen an exodus take place over the summer at the Hertfordshire club. Fifteen players have departed the club in the last couple of months either on loan or permanently. Vydra, Layun, Angella, and Sean Murray are some of those that have departed Watford for the time being, whilst McGugan, Forestieri, and Daniel Toszer have also moved on to greener pastures. Yet this streamlining has enabled Flores to shape and personalise his squad for the season ahead. Flores, along with Pozzo support, has tried to buy players that can fit into his preferred formation (so far) of 4-2-3-1; however it will take time for a new set of players to feel comfortable with this. What is for sure, Watford have a side that can adapt to the physical and psychological vigour of Premier League football, and with Flores at the helm, fans should be excited and optimistic about the future of Watford FC.
