Very good article here about the game yesterday and the way that Watford is being moulded. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/3174?cc=5739
Yup - but not too sure about this bit: "Immediately the club started making use of Udinese's waste, bringing in a series of fringe players on loan, minimising deadwood and getting players in the shop window. Accordingly, nine players in the current Watford squad are on loan from either Udinese or Granada." I suppose there is an element of truth there, but I'm sure it could be worded better.
What made a good game of it was that Bolton did not come just to defend, but took quite an attacking approach. This made for a lively game , especially since Bolton were quite robust in going about their work. That Pratley fellow was a menace, and should gave got a second yellow when he dramatically fell to the ground in his effort to get Cassetti sent off. We started slowly, missed one great chance (Deeney), started to impose ourselves on the game and then went behind to a soft penalty . But we upped the tempo , scored two excellent goals, and looked the better team for most of the match. There was a short period in the second half when they disturbed our rhythm by trying to intimidate, but we had the answer to that. Good to see that we can meet and match teams that come with different game plans and styles of play. Now, if we can learn to break down teams that use the "Bristol City" gambit we should be confident of a play-off place --or better.
We were good! After 20 mins to settle down then class showed. Good value for the win I think, and well done to Marv for not celebrating. On another note it seems the FA have the hump with us as there is a limit of 5 UK loaners, but no limit for overseas, hence our big squad. Hope they dont take it out on us vis a vis Bassinigate....
Ground out a good win against a side thatlooked a lot better than their position suggests. A few observations... oh yes the referee was poor - again. We don't half get 'em! difference this season is that, thus far, we have been able to rise above whereas in the past we have been utterly suffering. Very frustrating. Cassetti's booking was disappointing but the Bolton player involved should have had his marching orders. Yet another example of the poor application of the law by the officials this season be it in our favour or against us. The penalty? Well I've seen souffle's stand up under more pressure than that! A disgrace. Well done indeed to Marv for the somewhat apologetic looking acknowledgement after scoring. Thought the ESPN article was quite considered, better than the usual drivel we have to put up with from the media, and I think the idea of the likes of Vydra, Abdi, Cassietti, Forestieri and Pudil being 'deadwood' was more to do with the general philosophy of them being in the Pozzo plan (we are the weakest club of the three, but with the most potential) than as a reference to the players themselves. Roll on Friday!
I do look forward to your posts on a game Fez, and yet again you didnt disappoint. I know I like to complain about poor officials, but its nice to know whether or not it is justified and why. Plus hopefully as I read them, I will learn more.
I have watched the highlights several times now and still don't know if Vydra knew what he was doing just before he scored. He managed to send the defender in the wrong direction with his little 'flick', but is that what he was trying to do, or did he actually intend to pass the ball? Any opinions on this, but he did take the chance well.
Personally, after watching the highlights, I think Vydra got away with missing an attempted flick on to the player beside him. This wrong footed the defender and let him in on goal. It looked far to accidental to be intentional. Good finish though.
Think I agree with you Mex. If he intended it, it would add even more to his value. He was very quick to grab the chance though. I also think that the penalty was correct from what I can see, although see things from a different angle and you get a different impression.
A good view from the terraces. http://bhappy.wordpress.com/2013/02/03/watford-2-bolton-wanderers-1-02022013/ Who says they have done away with terraces?
One thing that did strike me about Saturday's ref...he did get BOTH sides a good 10 yards back for all free kicks. That should happe more often...
Was sitting right above it Mex. Truly awful decision though the tv angle made it look worse than it was. Like I said earlier I've seen souffle's stay up under less pressure!
Funny I thought it did look like a pen, whilst all around me didn't. Yes he went down fairly easily, but who doesn't these days? But he was slightly ahead and was leaning forward a bit so it was not a straight shoulder to shoulder and it made it look more like a push..
