Went last night and not overly concerned about the result. For the majority we controlled possession well and the two goals were defensive lapses in concentration when they actually looked reasonably comfortable otherwise. Up top we seemed to lack some penetration, whether this was due to personnel, formation or style isn't obvious. In terms of the formation we set up in a 4-2-3-1 familiar to the pre-season and seemed to experiment with a couple of players. Gomes didn't have a lot to do but was at fault for the goal when punching a chest high ball back to the forward, was a concern. Arlauskis also made a hash of a punch in the second half so both a bit flappy. Nyom didn't look like the answer to all out hopes at right back although grew into the game and had a much better second half, the centre halves looked solid. Holebas came on at half time and didn't contribute a great deal but clearly has a few anger management issues that could prove interesting. Watson and Behrami played the holding roles and Behrami especially looked very industrious and worked very hard. Capoue played on the left of the three and looked very much out of position and never really got involved getting subbed at half time. Jurado played on the other side and looked very tidy, I suspect he would benefit playing in the hole behind Deeney which was occupied by Igahlo who didn't really look like he enjoyed a deeper role. Somehow Deeney was often isolated despite the attacking players on the pitch and when he was replaced with Vydra in the second half it was clear that the formation can only really work with Deeney as the one up top, the other strikers don't have the stature. Those are my brief thoughts, we clearly have brought in some very talented players, its up to Flores now to utilise them to the best effect, I remain modestly confident!
I think the major issue is the balance between having a more defensive set-up and linking to attack. This may turn into a real problem if we don't create chances and could lead to a change in formation by November.
At the Vic. Looking good. Loads of work to do in the NE corner. Doesn't look like it'll be habitable to some time yet
TEAM NEWS: Watford starting XI v Sevilla: Gomes (GK); Nyom, Cathcart, Prödl, Anya; Capoue, Behrami; Layun, Ighalo, Berghuis; Deeney (c). Subs: Arlauskis (GK), Gilmartin (GK), Angella, Dyer, Forestieri, Hoban, Holebas, Watson, Paredes, Murray, Pudil, Vydra, Smith.
La lluvia en sevilla es una maravilla. (is apparently a local tongue twister) How´s the scoreline shaping up?
After the events at Edgbaston this week, Deeny's comments and the big summer upheaval I wonder if we should watch and wait. We never know exactly what is going on and wouldn't it be great to see him "reborn" for us?
Allan Nyom seems to be quite some player for us. A good first half for a friendly. Sounds as if we have stepped up a level from the previous games.
