Rival Lines
Match Preview: Watford v AFCB
Podcast Interview: From the Rookery End
Twitter: @Watfordpodcast
Watford have become a team that Bournemouth have found good rivals in recent season ever since the Championship days. But meetings in the most have been close and with Watford's start to this season Jason at From the Rookery End has every right to be confident of the Hornet's chances as they line up against the Cherries this weekend.
CC: Why do you think Javi Gracia has taken to the Premier League so well?
FTRE: I think there's still a way to go before we can truly judge where Javi sits amongst those that have led Watford in the Premier League. There have been ups, downs and points of improvement since he joined in early 2018. His home record is incredible and on a par with the top six teams. His away record was less than impressive for the back end of last season and we didn't score outside of Vicarage Road, under him at all, until our first away game this season. But unlike the other head coaches, who have ruled under the Pozzos in the top flight, he has had the advantage of a full pre-season, with players he'd had the chance to look at and with the opportunity to put things into place exactly as he wanted them. So far, this seems to be bearing fruit for the Hornets.
CC: Are you at all fearful of Watford doing their regular season trick of getting points on the board before having a poor second half of the season?
FTRE: Given the fast start, that has already been in the back of the minds of some Watford fans and being predicted on the social media timelines of rival supporters! What we have benefited from so far, touch wood, is a very settled team with minimal disruption to the starting 11 through injuries or suspensions. Our treatment list has rivalled that of the hospital next door to the stadium in recent seasons. So maybe if things can improve on that front, the "typical Watford" limp to the summer break might become a slow trot or jog for a change!!
CC: Do you think Andre Gray is going to have a much stronger impact this season and that he can score goals in this team?
FTRE: He can and he has done so far, with three to his name already this season. He is one player who is definitely more suited to the change in formation that Gracia has implemented. Now playing alongside Troy Deeney, opposition defenders have some thinking to do. With Troy dropping short to receive and hold up the ball and Gray using his pace to try and stretch the defence, gaps are created for the likes of Roberto Pereyra to exploit. With Will Hughes, Etienne Capoue and Abdoulaye Doucoure all comfortable going forwards and our full backs equally encouraged to do so, Andre will then find space of his own to take advantage of.
CC: Daryl Janmaat's injury has coincided with a slight slowdown in Watford's results, is he an underrated player?
FTRE: I don't think many Watford fans expected neither Daryl, nor his left sided compatriot Jose Holebas to be the starting full backs this season. Kiko Femenia delighted the stands with his performances in the right back slot, ahead of his own injury troubles last season. His pace causing opposing players defensive worries, as well as making it difficult for the wingers he was up against to get away from him. But with Kiko preferred in a more advanced role, albeit from the bench this season, Janmaat has had the chance to show off his qualities again. Javi's desire for his full backs to attack has suited Daryl, particularly as he likes to make runs outside to in and pop up unexpectedly in the penalty area. Occasionally there are question marks over his defending, but if he can put his frequent injury troubles behind him and get a good run in the team, then we hope he can iron those problems out and establish himself as first choice once more.
CC: Troy Deeney seems to be back to his best. How would you rate him against previous Watford captains?
FTRE: There was talk of Troy leaving this summer. In fact there's always talk of Troy leaving in the majority of transfer windows. And we always say the same thing. It would take at least two players to replace him. The striker and the leader. He's done this job for a while now. So he's not just the captain, but (avoiding calling him Mr. Watford) he is that consistent element, part of the club, our club, his club, that he is the obvious, natural and correct choice to lead this team. It's difficult to rate him against other Watford captains as the culture at the club is very different to the time before he became captain, as is the role of the captain in the media, both social and mainstream. And I'm sure you've noticed Troy doesn't mind the odd media appearance! However, when the time does come for Troy to depart from the Vic, I'm sure he'll be spoken about alongside legends of Watford past.
CC: Roberto Peryera has also been amongst the goals. Why has he been so effective in the way Garcia has set up the team?
FTRE: Bobby P is back playing in his favourite position, on the left and cutting back on to his right foot. Last season he picked up an injury in the first game of the season. Richarlison came on to replace him and made that position his own. Even when exhausted towards the end of the season, he was still ahead of Pereyra when it came to the team sheet. Roberto was deployed in other positions behind the lone striker, but never to the same effect.
CC: Watford were well in the game against Arsenal when it slipped away in the last 10 minutes. But do you believe Watford can go to top six grounds and get results more often now?
FTRE: What was in evidence against Arsenal probably more so than in our other recent games against top sides is that we are making ourselves as hard to beat as we possibly can, but not holding back in creating chances by doing so. Fitness seems to be key to this and the team works incredibly hard to make up for where we can't match the opposition for skill. If we do want to go to the grounds of the big six and win, then we need to take our chances. Something that we didn't do against Arsenal. But that performance showed that it is an achievable aim.
CC: Three established Premier League teams were relegated last season, so do you feel Watford are in a much stronger position to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle these days than when they first came up?
FTRE: Absolutely. We've gone through many changes, player wise and head coaches. Perhaps there are some areas where we have tinkered and perhaps not advanced as much in terms of the ability of the players as when we first arrived in the top flight. But this summer has been more about topping up the squad. The core has remained the same and grown together, and over the seasons we have been able to add real quality with the likes of Pereyra and Gerard Deulofeou. As well as adding some exciting prospects such as Will Hughes and Nathaniel Chalobah. But we cannot be complacent and think the job is done just because of our playing squad. They still need to work hard for those results!!
CC: Beating Spurs in the league was probably Watford's highlight of the season so far. What do you think inspired the comeback and belief that day?
FTRE: It felt very similar to the Arsenal game from the previous season, famous now for Deeney's "cojones" comment post match. I feel the only reason we had to come from behind was because we were too cautious early on. Perhaps that was part of the game plan, contain then destroy. But it must have been hard to explain from a Spurs point of view. Three big centre backs on the pitch and they allowed themselves to be bullied out of the game by a determined Watford side. The belief wasn't just on the pitch. As the side grew in confidence so did the crowd and the whole thing just seemed to snowball towards a fitting crescendo.
CC: Is Ben Foster a big reason for the goals against being so low?
FTRE: He's part of the reason, but not the only one. The consistent centre back pairing of Craig Cathcart and the ever improving (and king of Watford Twitter!) Christian Kabasele have impressed in this fledgling season. There's still work to be done. Only one clean sheet so far won't have been good for the defensive bonus pot I'm sure, but the signs are promising. As for Ben, we knew what we were getting as he'd spent the early stages of his career with us on loan during the Aidy Boothroyd era over ten years ago. His outstanding contribution so far this season was an impressive display at home to Palace, when some key first half saves kept the game goalless at half time, from where the Hornets took a 2 goal lead on the way to a 2-1 victory.
CC: How do you expect Watford to line up against Bournemouth?
FTRE: More of the same. We've kept with the 442 line up and only one enforced change due to Janmaat's injury all season. I don't see any reason why Javi would look to change that at this stage, particularly as the Arsenal performance was a positive one, despite the result.
CC: A massive thanks to Jason for sharing so much information on Watford FC. I think I have learned a season's worth of facts about the club and yet we are only seven games into the season! The new manager and the mix of old and a few new recruits has certainly worked well for the Hornets and even if Harry the Hornet isn't there to taunt us Bournemouth fans this weekend, we know that Watford have some very capable players who will make this one of the hardest games of this season for the Cherries. To read more of Jason's thoughts, do pop in on the From the Rookery End podcast.
Twitter: @Watfordpodcast
CC: Why do you think Javi Gracia has taken to the Premier League so well?
FTRE: I think there's still a way to go before we can truly judge where Javi sits amongst those that have led Watford in the Premier League. There have been ups, downs and points of improvement since he joined in early 2018. His home record is incredible and on a par with the top six teams. His away record was less than impressive for the back end of last season and we didn't score outside of Vicarage Road, under him at all, until our first away game this season. But unlike the other head coaches, who have ruled under the Pozzos in the top flight, he has had the advantage of a full pre-season, with players he'd had the chance to look at and with the opportunity to put things into place exactly as he wanted them. So far, this seems to be bearing fruit for the Hornets.
CC: Are you at all fearful of Watford doing their regular season trick of getting points on the board before having a poor second half of the season?
FTRE: Given the fast start, that has already been in the back of the minds of some Watford fans and being predicted on the social media timelines of rival supporters! What we have benefited from so far, touch wood, is a very settled team with minimal disruption to the starting 11 through injuries or suspensions. Our treatment list has rivalled that of the hospital next door to the stadium in recent seasons. So maybe if things can improve on that front, the "typical Watford" limp to the summer break might become a slow trot or jog for a change!!
CC: Do you think Andre Gray is going to have a much stronger impact this season and that he can score goals in this team?
FTRE: He can and he has done so far, with three to his name already this season. He is one player who is definitely more suited to the change in formation that Gracia has implemented. Now playing alongside Troy Deeney, opposition defenders have some thinking to do. With Troy dropping short to receive and hold up the ball and Gray using his pace to try and stretch the defence, gaps are created for the likes of Roberto Pereyra to exploit. With Will Hughes, Etienne Capoue and Abdoulaye Doucoure all comfortable going forwards and our full backs equally encouraged to do so, Andre will then find space of his own to take advantage of.
CC: Daryl Janmaat's injury has coincided with a slight slowdown in Watford's results, is he an underrated player?
FTRE: I don't think many Watford fans expected neither Daryl, nor his left sided compatriot Jose Holebas to be the starting full backs this season. Kiko Femenia delighted the stands with his performances in the right back slot, ahead of his own injury troubles last season. His pace causing opposing players defensive worries, as well as making it difficult for the wingers he was up against to get away from him. But with Kiko preferred in a more advanced role, albeit from the bench this season, Janmaat has had the chance to show off his qualities again. Javi's desire for his full backs to attack has suited Daryl, particularly as he likes to make runs outside to in and pop up unexpectedly in the penalty area. Occasionally there are question marks over his defending, but if he can put his frequent injury troubles behind him and get a good run in the team, then we hope he can iron those problems out and establish himself as first choice once more.
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CC: Troy Deeney seems to be back to his best. How would you rate him against previous Watford captains?
FTRE: There was talk of Troy leaving this summer. In fact there's always talk of Troy leaving in the majority of transfer windows. And we always say the same thing. It would take at least two players to replace him. The striker and the leader. He's done this job for a while now. So he's not just the captain, but (avoiding calling him Mr. Watford) he is that consistent element, part of the club, our club, his club, that he is the obvious, natural and correct choice to lead this team. It's difficult to rate him against other Watford captains as the culture at the club is very different to the time before he became captain, as is the role of the captain in the media, both social and mainstream. And I'm sure you've noticed Troy doesn't mind the odd media appearance! However, when the time does come for Troy to depart from the Vic, I'm sure he'll be spoken about alongside legends of Watford past.
CC: Roberto Peryera has also been amongst the goals. Why has he been so effective in the way Garcia has set up the team?
FTRE: Bobby P is back playing in his favourite position, on the left and cutting back on to his right foot. Last season he picked up an injury in the first game of the season. Richarlison came on to replace him and made that position his own. Even when exhausted towards the end of the season, he was still ahead of Pereyra when it came to the team sheet. Roberto was deployed in other positions behind the lone striker, but never to the same effect.
CC: Watford were well in the game against Arsenal when it slipped away in the last 10 minutes. But do you believe Watford can go to top six grounds and get results more often now?
FTRE: What was in evidence against Arsenal probably more so than in our other recent games against top sides is that we are making ourselves as hard to beat as we possibly can, but not holding back in creating chances by doing so. Fitness seems to be key to this and the team works incredibly hard to make up for where we can't match the opposition for skill. If we do want to go to the grounds of the big six and win, then we need to take our chances. Something that we didn't do against Arsenal. But that performance showed that it is an achievable aim.
CC: Three established Premier League teams were relegated last season, so do you feel Watford are in a much stronger position to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle these days than when they first came up?
FTRE: Absolutely. We've gone through many changes, player wise and head coaches. Perhaps there are some areas where we have tinkered and perhaps not advanced as much in terms of the ability of the players as when we first arrived in the top flight. But this summer has been more about topping up the squad. The core has remained the same and grown together, and over the seasons we have been able to add real quality with the likes of Pereyra and Gerard Deulofeou. As well as adding some exciting prospects such as Will Hughes and Nathaniel Chalobah. But we cannot be complacent and think the job is done just because of our playing squad. They still need to work hard for those results!!
CC: Beating Spurs in the league was probably Watford's highlight of the season so far. What do you think inspired the comeback and belief that day?
FTRE: It felt very similar to the Arsenal game from the previous season, famous now for Deeney's "cojones" comment post match. I feel the only reason we had to come from behind was because we were too cautious early on. Perhaps that was part of the game plan, contain then destroy. But it must have been hard to explain from a Spurs point of view. Three big centre backs on the pitch and they allowed themselves to be bullied out of the game by a determined Watford side. The belief wasn't just on the pitch. As the side grew in confidence so did the crowd and the whole thing just seemed to snowball towards a fitting crescendo.
CC: Is Ben Foster a big reason for the goals against being so low?
FTRE: He's part of the reason, but not the only one. The consistent centre back pairing of Craig Cathcart and the ever improving (and king of Watford Twitter!) Christian Kabasele have impressed in this fledgling season. There's still work to be done. Only one clean sheet so far won't have been good for the defensive bonus pot I'm sure, but the signs are promising. As for Ben, we knew what we were getting as he'd spent the early stages of his career with us on loan during the Aidy Boothroyd era over ten years ago. His outstanding contribution so far this season was an impressive display at home to Palace, when some key first half saves kept the game goalless at half time, from where the Hornets took a 2 goal lead on the way to a 2-1 victory.
CC: How do you expect Watford to line up against Bournemouth?
FTRE: More of the same. We've kept with the 442 line up and only one enforced change due to Janmaat's injury all season. I don't see any reason why Javi would look to change that at this stage, particularly as the Arsenal performance was a positive one, despite the result.
CC: A massive thanks to Jason for sharing so much information on Watford FC. I think I have learned a season's worth of facts about the club and yet we are only seven games into the season! The new manager and the mix of old and a few new recruits has certainly worked well for the Hornets and even if Harry the Hornet isn't there to taunt us Bournemouth fans this weekend, we know that Watford have some very capable players who will make this one of the hardest games of this season for the Cherries. To read more of Jason's thoughts, do pop in on the From the Rookery End podcast.
