{"id":584408,"date":"2021-02-21T12:15:05","date_gmt":"2021-02-21T17:15:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=584408"},"modified":"2021-02-21T12:15:05","modified_gmt":"2021-02-21T17:15:05","slug":"how-xisco-munoz-tactically-masterminding-watfords-resurgence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/02\/21\/how-xisco-munoz-tactically-masterminding-watfords-resurgence\/","title":{"rendered":"How Xisco Munoz Is Tactically Masterminding Watford’s Resurgence"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nine points. Seven Days. Three matches. One formation change. Following a skid of picking up just two points from nine available, head coach Xisco Munoz has helped steer Watford<\/a> to a brilliant run of form \u2013 which presently leaves the Hornets out of the automatic promotion spots on goal-differential. And, with a third of the season remaining, the Hornets know they still control their fate.<\/p>\n

Xisco Munoz Came to Vicarage Road With Questionable Tactics<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Xisco Munoz Arriving With a 4-4-2<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Spaniard guided Watford to an impressive 1-0 victory<\/a> over league-leaders Norwich City on his debut. The victory preceded a defeat at promotion-rivals Swansea<\/a>. A three-match winning-run (a run in which victories were just edged out) was then followed by a three-match winless streak. But, the run of form before the club\u2019s most recent three matches had a key tactical difference.<\/p>\n

Prior to Watford\u2019s 6-0 thrashing of Bristol City<\/a>, Munoz solely called for a 4-4-2 formation (in the match against Coventry City<\/a>, Munoz tried a \u201c4-2-3-1\u201d which shaped up closer to a 4-4-2 for most of the match). The increasingly unpopular combination of Andre Gray and Troy Deeney, started the majority of the matches. The two strikers have a mere two goals (combined) from open play all season.<\/p>\n

Watford\u2019s attacking threat was further hindered by the lack of inclusion Joao Pedro had. Further, Watford\u2019s wide players (Ismaila Sarr, Ken Sema, and Will Hughes<\/a> at times) did not get as much attacking license as necessary. Overall, the 4-4-2 limited Watford\u2019s goal-scoring threat in more ways than one. But, that is not the only way the 4-4-2 harmed Watford.<\/p>\n

In the midfield, the Hornets did not have control. For example, in the first half of their 2-1 victory over Stoke City<\/a>, the Potters controlled the tempo through a simple outnumbering in the centre of the pitch.<\/p>\n

Only in the second half, once Deeney dropped deep into midfield positions, did Watford gain control of the match. The Hornets\u2019 underwhelming 0-0 draw against Coventry City saw the Sky Blues dictating the tempo of the match through their midfield overload (having three central midfielders against Watford\u2019s two).<\/p>\n

Poor Run of Form<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After grinding out three wins in a row, the Hornets drew to Millwall<\/a>, lost to Queens Park Rangers<\/a>, and drew to Coventry City \u2013 a run of form which is unacceptable to any team vying for promotion. The imbalances of the 4-4-2 came to haunt the Hornets.<\/p>\n

Munoz\u2019s job then came under serious scrutiny<\/a>; his future did not appear secure. Between the poor run of form and losing Deeney to injury<\/a>, Munoz knew change was necessary.<\/p>\n

Switching to a 4-3-3 at the Heart of Watford’s Revival<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Xisco Munoz Now Has Watford\u2019s Best Formula<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Many Watford fans argue Deeney\u2019s inclusion in the starting eleven every match harmed the club\u2019s performances. The Hornets\u2019 success since switching to a 4-3-3 justifies those claims.<\/p>\n

Deeney is better when paired alongside another striker. However, the 4-3-3 formation better suits the Hornets\u2019 top goal-scorer Pedro. In a sense, Munoz likely no longer feels the requirement to start the club-captain, and that has helped Watford change tactics.<\/p>\n

Watford have a perfect record since switching to the 4-3-3. In three matches, the Hornets have scored nine times and conceded once (which was an own-goal). The balance provided by the 4-3-3 is perfect – and has certainly bought Munoz much-deserved breathing room away from the axe.<\/p>\n

Sema and Sarr get much more attacking license. Femenia and Masina<\/a> are further encouraged to make overlapping runs in attack. Control of the midfield is all but solidified too.<\/p>\n

By switching from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3, the Hornets now have the optimal mixing of midfield dominance and attacking threat, while not sacrificing defensive soundness. With tough clashes against Blackburn<\/a> and Bournemouth<\/a> coming up, the 4-3-3 has a prime opportunity to further establish itself as Watford\u2019s best formation.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>