In their first top-flight meeting for 30 years, Watford and West Brom shared the spoils in a goalless draw at Vicarage Road.
The Hornets remain unbeaten, and had a number of chances to win their first home game back in the Premier League with Boaz Myhill repeatedly called into action by Odion Ighalo.
Albion, meanwhile, despite failing to register a shot on target, came closest to breaking the deadlock when last season’s top scorer Saido Berahino glanced a close-range header wide in the final stages.
It takes two
After the loss to Manchester City, Tony Pulis admitted to having been given a “rude awakening” by playing Saido Berahino and Rickie Lambert in tandem. The Welshman could not hide his frustration that he had allowed his midfield to be overrun by playing two up front. His assessment that it “went against all of his principles” seems accurate.
However, Pulis went with the same combination again, surely in expectation of greater attacking dominance against the newly-promoted Hornets.
He would be disappointed.
Instead, it was the prolific duo of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney, who scored 40 goals between them in last season’s second tier triumph, who linked up to best effect. They were entirely on the same wavelength, knocking the ball down for each other with telepathic accuracy and seamless in their movement.
With record man Salomon Rondon waiting in the wings, the Berahino-Lambert axis, devoid as yet of such understanding, appears to have its days numbered.
At centre-back, change is as good as a rest
The all-new centre-back pairing assembled by Pulis paid dividends, as West Brom looked far more solid on Saturday. Although they were confronted by more modest opposition than Manchester City, Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley dealt with pretty much everything that was thrown at them by a highly motivated home side.
Olsson is revered by the Baggies fans and he rewarded their faith with a commanding performance, in which he made 13 clearances and blocked two shots. McAuley, as ever, was a model of concentration.
Joleon Lescott impressed throughout last term but struggled against his former club in the opening game. With James Chester still finding his feet, this experienced partnership could easily find itself a fixture in Albion’s lineup over the coming games.
Bye bye Berahino?
There were audible groans as Berahino’s header, issued from not eight yards out, skimmed off his forehead and well wide of the right-hand post. Although he spurned the best chance to win his side the game, the 22-year-old remains absolutely fundamental to his team.
Interest from bigger clubs, most notably Spurs, is no secret.
Pulis clearly enunciated that Albion are open for business, both in terms of incomings and outgoings. It has been suggested in some quarters that the signing of Rondon is at best a precaution, and at worst a replacement for Berahino, rated at £20 million.
Elsewhere, West Brom are very much a squad in transition, and Pulis is still hoping to bring in bodies and mould a side in the remaining days of the transfer window. These new additions will need to gel quickly, and pick up points from the get-go.
Braying Baggies
West Brom sent a healthy away contingent to Vicarage Road, a ground which has undergone a huge transition over the last 18 months, both in terms of facilities and atmosphere.
Reaction was mixed among the Albion faithful.
Stability is valued among the fans, and a strong defensive performance shows that the solid foundations of last term have largely been retained. Any point away from home in the Premier League is valuable, and a clean sheet is a step in the right direction.
Yet, there was no shot on target and the midfield selection, which lacked width, was unpopular, especially in the case of Craig Gardner.
Local journalist Steve Madeley summed up the prevailing mood nicely.
Some applause from travelling fans but some boos too. Credit for the clean sheet and any away point in the Prem is a good point, but… #wba
— Steve Madeley (@SteveMadeleyWWA) August 15, 2015
…Albion fans will not accept another season of that kind of stuff. It was just awful to watch. #wba
— Steve Madeley (@SteveMadeleyWWA) August 15, 2015
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