I think we are good enough - on paper. But anyone dreaming Edwards would have us further up the league is living in Cloud Cuckoo Land.
I think you're right on both counts - but what on earth is needed to make the players perform as a team? I suspect it may be a mental thing, so maybe a return of Pink Shirt Man is warranted...
It’s so difficult. I don’t really understand. I do think we have done better when we populate the area. I don’t mind tap ins. It seems sometimes we are restricted to shooting badly from distance because there’s no one in the box. Whether that’s because Pedro has gone looking for the ball, or Davis lacks confidence or we didn’t have fit staff in that area, I couldn’t be sure. But I like us defensively immeasurably more than under Edwards. Bilić has sorted that out largely. I don’t think we are worse than anyone in the league in that regard. But we just haven’t scored as many as our squad warrants. My Dad is all very philosophical about being in the Championship, and I would be too, I have no problems watching Tier 2 football - but for our debt. That worries me very much.
Watford conceded 11 goals in 10 games under Rob Edwards. Watford have conceded 27 goals in 24 games under Slaven Bilic. 7 teams have conceded less goals than Watford. Burnley 28 Sheffield Utd. 30 (one less game played) Luton 32 (one less game played) Millwall 33 (one less game played) Norwich 37 West Brom 36 (one less game played) Coventry 34 (one less game played) 4 teams have conceded the same number of goals. Blackburn 38 Sunderland 38 Preston 38 (one less game played) Cardiff 38 12 teams have conceded more goals than Watford (ranging from Middlesborough who have conceded 40 goals to Wigan who have conceded 52 goals).
Fair point, Luther, but our remaining fixtures are relatively soft compared to those we’ve played so far, and Bilić was perhaps hit harder than RE with injuries. On field, we play better defensively than before. Our current performances are strong, I think. It’s up front where are critical issues are. I don’t feel there are critical issues throughout. It’s just the old ‘onion bag’ as they say.
Yes that is true. With both managers we've beaten or got points off the top teams in the league but dropped many against lesser sides - mainly draws. Is that just down to some sort of lack of focus or complacency? We know there aren't any easy games in this league but maybe some players don't... I think we would be more consistent with a regular starting line up - not the endless changes we seem to be forced into before and even during games. Now we do have players back there probably is less of an excuse for not performing or getting results -by general feeling we were a bit unlucky on Saturday but the usual issues of lacking goals and a bit of sloppy defending cost us. We really do need to stick with a manager though - not just keep getting rid. What if Bilic went now and the new guy still doesn't get us promoted/in the play-offs? Does that mean another change!? I'd rather spend money and time looking for players who will improve the squad really. That is if Bilic wants to stay of course - I do sense some general frustration over various issues form him.
One could be does he feel he didn't get enough time but probably wouldn't answer that how he really wants to.
Sean Dyche makes a good point re Everton’s lack of forward goals: "The team mentality has to be 'we're all allowed to score,'" said Dyche [my italics, but fit the article context]. "I ask that of them defensively - clean sheets start from the front. It's only fair to ask it the other way around. "Players have to take responsibility as a group in making enough chances and taking enough chances." My interpretation of that is big CBs can score from set pieces, if a smaller but quick DM or FB covers their absence. FBs can shoot from around the edge of the box, if they have a marauding run, their runs covered by CBs. DMs can shoot from distance, if forwards (in the box) follow in for any scraps. Wide players come in for attacks from the opposite side (Sarr for crosses from Sema on the left and vice versa), and the CF and CAM are very often (not always) between opposition CB-CB or FB-CB. At the moment, I feel, our CF and CAM are often too distant front the danger areas, too easy to defend against.
This what I mean in terms of the current attitude towards the manager “Bilic would’ve been sacked by pretty much any other club who were in our same position by now, whereas Edwards probably wouldn't have been. We can’t keep sacking managers of course, but inexplicably Bilic has been given far, far longer than any other Pozzomanager has and most other clubs would’ve done” So we should sack Bilic but sacking Edwards wouldn’t be right even though if we were basically in the same position? And no I doubt any club would have sacked him by now tbh. I think there is some bias against Bilic as Edwards was young , sounded good and dare I say English ? And now doing well up the road . Not saying Bilic is perfect and never made errors but you’d think we were near the bottom of the league the way some go on! Ok we definitely need to get results in the next few games I agree but really don’t think changing another manager would just be the answer . Last season we tried that and look what happened .
And again fans seem obsessed with picking out certain players for particular blame. I hope someone like Sarr doesn’t read the comments about him - not exactly going to help his morale’ As much as people don’t think think he is up to it he has set up a couple of goals and had a hand on some more so it’s hardly a great surprise Sarr still gets in the team .
And when he leaves, to be replaced by their desired untested 'young British talent' from the lower leagues who turns out to be less effective, who will they blame - the manager, the owners or Sarr himself for having the temerity to leave?
Or isn’t deemed good enough after 5 games as fans like to instantly judge players either positively or negatively. This all stems from Sarr missing that game v Hull after the World Cup which was unfortunate and maybe not a great look but I understand the club gave him an extra day or two off . We’ll be much worse off as an attacking side without his threat even if that isn’t always shown .
Can Asprilla not play in these games to get some match action ? Seems a shame he doesn’t get in squad now ? Ok is young and maybe a bit lightweight but thought he was quite skilful and a good passer .
I read elsewhere that he may be injured - but no confirmation or details anywhere. This is the last mention he gets... https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/s...olombian-youngster-watford-first-team-player/
After Adeyemo gave Watford a half time lead, Bristol City have scored twice to lead 2-1 with 15 minutes left.
