I think in our newish head coach we have a great tactician See the article below Add in some great defence work and stopping opponent form scoring ( e.g Spurs shots last week) and we are looking very good: Most tackles, interceptions and assists – 3 Watford stars dominating the Premier League Crippy Cooke 10 September, 2018 English Premier League, General Football News, Watford please log in to view this image Watford have started the new season in fantastic form, boasting four wins from their first four games to currently sit third in the Premier League table. The Hornets are level on 12 points with leaders Liverpool and second-placed Chelsea after beating Brighton & Hove Albion (2-0), Burnley (3-1), Crystal Palace (2-1) and Tottenham Hotspur (2-1). Manager Javi Gracia was unsurprisingly named Premier League Manager of the Month after Watford’s bright start, but he also has his players to thank for their efforts. There’s barely been a poor performance among the squad so far this campaign, but three players are outperforming the most talented individuals of other sides – Jose Holebas, Christian Kabasele and Will Hughes. No player has made more assists than Holebas (4), no player has made more tackles than Will Hughes (17) and no player has made more interceptions than Kabasele (12). Watford’s fine start to the new season can be attributed to many of their players performing above expectations. To have Will Hughes and Kabsele boasting more tackles and interceptions than Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante takes some work, and Holebas having created more goals than the likes of Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne is impressive early on. Whether the Watford trio will remain top of the statistics chart as the campaign progresses remains to be seen, but it’s impressive that so many Hornets are keeping big-name players in the shade.
When Gracia was appointed we were told that he built strong defences. From memory, so I could be wrong, we were warned that the football would be functional rather than exhilarating. I can understand both points but the latter one is overstating the case. The first half against Spurs was extremely functional in that, despite appearances, we controlled the Spurs attack. It certainly didn't make good viewing for Watford fans. The second half was completely different. The question is whether our players can maintain their individual performances. Holebas is 34.
I think we have good cover for Holebas.... in fact now we have good defensive cover and playing two up front is working.... plus some great midfielders..... as good as it has been since Gracia came....
From some stats shown in the Observer on sunday, we also have another 'top of league' We have the highest ratio of goals to shots (9 from 48). It does include shots blocked. That is pathetic really (1-5.6) We can pass with an accuracy of 80-90 % but can't shoot with a completion rate better than 20 %. If we could fix that (I think it's a case of practice until hitting the vacant areas of the goal is so repeatable it' can be done with eyes closed) before asll the other teams do it , we would win far more games where we are second best in skill, ability, organisation etc.
How many of the nine are from shots on target A couple of years ago stats showed Deeney scored from one out of two shots on target, the issue being not enough shots on target due to lack of service from midfield etc
I've no idea. The stats just showed the shots for each team and the goals. My point is we've had 48 shots so far. Improving that ratio would improve our results in games where we aren't so much on top.
Interesting analysis of our potential this season . BUT it is based on last season I think we are better than that... and can score the goals this time round
the main differences this year are Deeney is leaner, fitter and faster Gray and Deeney dont see each other as rivals but as a partnership to score goals the defence are playing Zonal Marking the correct way The midfield are fit and working together and covering each other The manager has created a team spirit we have not had since Jokavitch and Florres And the Top Six super teams cannot cope with us (so far) Liverpool and Man City will be the true test
