Watford 2 - 1 Derby County

For me, a very creditable performance from which we deserved a point. We defended extremely well limiting Watford to three chances from which they scored two. After all the hype about Watford I expected more. Their first goal was a beauty and sometimes they moved the ball about nicely but in the main found it very hard to get through our well-organised set-up.

I agree, Terry that NML, Yates and Kenzo did not figure much but Y and NML in particular had scant service as we were repelling Watford's attack most of the time. We still lack that extra class in the final third. There was some attractive approach play but the final killer pass was missing - usually overhit.

Can't judge our new goalie from that. He had no chance with the goals and did little wrong although one over-long dalliance on the ball could have cost us. Nyambe was MOM for me - so solid and strong and also did well trying to get forward. Jackson was lively but apart from making Ebou's brilliant opener did not make the most of his opportunities.

So far so good but where were Vickers and CBT?

comment by lastapostleofvidal (U1491)
posted about an hour ago
As has been the case for many years now.
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🖕🏼

And I agree with Desi, Nyambe was out MotM.

Kenzo looks promising, but was too lightweight, I hope he can make the step up.

Watford looked like they had an extra man up to the point they took the lead.

Apart from the points already made I do think we should start to have a bit more belief and stop listening to all who say that we will be in the bottom four at the end of the season. Be more positive (or rather less negative) and be more creative when clearing from the back. We just kept inviting pressure as we did agin Boro.

comment by Chicagoram (U22653)
posted 1 hour, 19 minutes ago
Apart from the points already made I do think we should start to have a bit more belief and stop listening to all who say that we will be in the bottom four at the end of the season. Be more positive (or rather less negative) and be more creative when clearing from the back. We just kept inviting pressure as we did agin Boro.
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I think it fair to say Chicago that both boro and Watford would very classed as top 6 teams so it will be interesting to see how we fare against the so called lesser teams. Warneys post match interview really echoed what we've said..."need to be more positive "...

Highlights are deceptive but in terms of chances there doesn’t seem to have much in it. Watford’s first was a good strike. You could say that Bradley’s positioning was suspect but he would have been expecting a more aerial cross which was probably what was actually intended by the Watford player. The second was a ricochet which just happened to land perfectly on their player’s foot for a first-time finish. Apart from that the best chance seemed to be Bradley’s header which went straight at their keeper from 6 yards out, probably the best chance of the game in fact.

If games are going to be generally like this, I.e. not much in it, we will be OK, especially if we can get a bit more oomph up front.

How did our debutants look?

comment by Chicagoram (U22653)
posted about 15 hours ago
Apart from the points already made I do think we should start to have a bit more belief and stop listening to all who say that we will be in the bottom four at the end of the season. Be more positive (or rather less negative) and be more creative when clearing from the back. We just kept inviting pressure as we did agin Boro.
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I would accept bottom 4 but not bottom 3. Something to improve on for the next season.

Re debutants I assume you mean our goalie and Yates, Desi. JWZ could do absolutely nothing about the goals and looked sound apart from one weird moment when he dallied on the ball far too long, lost it and nearly conceded. I felt sorry for Yates as most of his teammates were busy defending and he was left on his own. I like him. He has pace and is clever. I saw a fair bit of him playing for Blackpool (You Tube videos) and he clearly has an eye for goal.

The truth is that Watford had three chances and took two of them while we had three chances and took one. Other than that we came very close to taking a point.