Watford have made a solid, if at times unspectacular start to life back in the Premier League. Picking up three points from four can hardly be considered a disaster, yet there will be a real desire to soon get that first win under their belt.
First four games
Three decent draws will have given boss Quique Sanchez Flores plenty to be positive about, though his side’s lack of goal threat is slightly alarming.
A 2-2 draw at Everton on the first weekend of the season was a good result despite the fact that the visitors led twice late on in the game, two consecutive home goalless draws confirmed that Flores is a coach who favours pragmatism.
On the one hand, West Brom and Southampton were there for the taking, but it could also be considered that having both been battered in their previous games, they were happy to settle for a share of the spoils at Vicarage Road.
Regardless, Flores will be looking for more from his side offensively in the forthcoming weeks.
Transfer window performance
Watford’s extravagance in the transfer market makes it hard to judge how they have performed with their business this summer.
In theory, they have brought in upgrades all over the field and then some. 15 summer signings means one could almost name a new match-day squad from that which celebrated promotion back in May.
The defensive reinforcements look the most impressive so far, Allan Nyom and Sebastian Prodl bedding into a new look back four with ease. It may take attackers Jose Manual Jurado and Allessandro Diamanti longer to settle, while Etienne Capoue has stood out in midfield as a class act.
If the Hornets gel then they have a hell of a side on their hands, but it is imperative that the manager finds a winning formula sooner rather than later.
Key Player
In the 4-2-3-1 system, French internatonal Capoue, a new signing from Tottenham, is the crucial link between defence and attack.
Excellent in his break-up play defensively, Capoue also speeds past midfield opponents with ease and sets his side on the attack.
As the season wears on, his levels of improvement may well decide the Hornets’ fate. With power and ability in his legs, he could be the man that makes the difference as he looks to rebuild his career after flopping at White Hart Lane.
What has gone right?
At Vicarage Road, Watford have been totally infallible at the back. They have hardly given a single good chance away and signings Nyom and Prodl look to have made a real difference.
Craig Cathcart has continued his rapid improvement from last season, while Jose Holebas and Ikechi Anya are both good options at left-back.
Decent defensive performances at Everton and Manchester City, despite leaking two goals on each occasion, mean that Flores’ hard work on defensive shape and the solidity appears to be paying off.
Where to improve?
In contrast, the Hornets have really struggled going forward.
After two goals at Goodison Park they have failed to find the net and have not really created too many decent chances. Only against Southampton will Flores feel that they actually had the opportunities to win the game.
A familiar tale of woe for promoted clubs, the problem is all the more frustrating as there are talented players in the squad who either are not being used to be the best of their abilities, or are out of the side completely.
Matej Vydra appears an underused goal threat, but the manager will be hoping that deadline day signings Obbi Oulare and Victor Ibarbo can made the difference in the final third.
Next four games
There is a sense amongst the Vicarage Road faithful that the next four games are absolutely crucial in deciding how the Hornets are going to perform this season.
A home meeting with Swansea next up looks the toughest of the bunch, and the clash with Crystal Palace in Hertfordshire will be equally difficult in three weeks’ time.
But away from home, Watford travel to Newcastle and Bournemouth – fixtures which represent genuine chances for three points.
Sides which like to attack are bound to come out in front of their own fans and attack Flores’ men, allowing the visitors the opportunity to use their pace and class on the counter as they did so effectively at Everton.
It is tough to put a points target on the next four games, but it will be a cause for concern if there is not at least that first win on the board by the time they are done and dusted.
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Defensively sound showings have gotten the ball rolling, but now that the transfer window is shut the Hornets need to show more in attack.
Flores may find he has to gamble a little more in the search for that first win, but there is certainly optimism surrounding the new players brought in this summer and how they can perform in the coming weeks.
Grade – B-
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