Anyone else think things don't add-up re Almunia? I take the fact that he was taken off at HT against Bolton due to illness at face value, but if he was able to play the first half, how come he's still ill enough to miss a game 10 days later? Also, if the rumours of a training ground bust-up involving him are true, who did he have it with? The medical staff? If he is ill enough to be out this long, they certainly wouldn't want him near the rest of the squad. especially the other keepers. I don't think he is ill and has been dropped because of the bust-up. If I'm right, don't be surprised if he doesn't appear in a WFC shirt again and may not even be at the club on Feb 1st.
I was thinking the same as you when he wasn't picked v Burnley. If true, it is a shame because he has been in spectacular form, highlighted for me by his double save of the penalty v Leicester in the play-offs!
Sounds like a good solid display. Nice to see Bond keep a clean sheet and interesting to see Zola change formations.
Very good result but sounds like it could easily have been a much-needed 3 points. It's also good to see Zola change formation, which is what I think has been needed for a little while now. It will be interesting to see if he sticks with it on Saturday. Maybe the time is for Bond to come through and get more first team games...
Was out last night and didn't find out the result till quite late, but what a pleasant surprise U'Orns
On the commentary last night Danny Webber was with Jon Marks. He said that he thought Bond was very good, not just in shot stopping and choosing the right crossed ball to come out for, but in the way that he was communicating with the defenders. It sounded as if he had taken control of the area and had things as he wanted.
I'm with you Jersey. In the commentry from the Bolton game they mentioned that Ekstrand was having a heated conversation with Almunia and then a few minutes later he is ill and does not come out for the 2nd half! I would not be surprised if he never put a Watford shirt on again as well...
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sp...e_the_base_to_move_forward_again___says_Zola/ Definately think this could be a turning point.
A few things: 1. Happy with the 0-0 2. Chuffed with the fact that Zola has changed formation a bit as we were leaking goals for fun. 3. If Almunia is rowing at least (maybe) he has some passion... Also, was that the first league game Zola hasn't gone 3-5-2?
I have no idea about Almunia. However, last night, Bond looked as good, his superb save near end of 1st half kept us in the game. We were more solid (nosworthy knows when to clear it properly). We matched Burnley in all areas, esp. defending corners, much improved. (Are they really 2nd/3rd ? If so, division is pretty average). BUT, again we had VERY FEW attempts on goal. Fabbrini played like a schoolboy footballer, dribbling 40 yards with the ball,beating 3 players, before passing into touch, or to them ,or just losing it. Mcgugan looks the real deal. Deeney did his best, but why is never anyone running off him ? We have the players with the skill to make those runs, receive the ball, and create a goal scoring opportunity ? What happened to the free scoring team of early games. I didn't see any of them, so am mystified. If it is the simple absence of Abdi & Anya, then I am encouraged - assuming they return. Still, onward and upward.
It will come. Zola has admitted confidence was low, but everything I have read and heard (I followed the action on Sky Sports) tells me that this could be a season changing moment. COYH
