Thoughts on 2nd half; Good Only a friendly but kept a Prem team at arms length Asprilla has got a bit of magic about him Thought Bayo looked ok in his cameo - should have scored though. Not so good CM still looked average at best Still need Kamara on the left - glad we’re signing a new RWB Overall - well drilled, good levels of fitness, some good performances. We need Louza back ASAP and stay fit all season. Need Pedro behind 2 decent strikers.
Decent result that. Bayo could of won it at the death but a draw was fair. I thought we might get tonked but we stood up well and actually started very brightly. Of course changes happen and the match level drops off but overall we know a few more things going into the new season. * Sema is turd and cannot control a ball * Dennis looks like he will commit (even if it's short term) *We need a new RWB ASAP *Cathcart continues to pass to the crowd *Pedro is still very hit and miss but puts effort in Really unsure on the Sarr situation but have to go by what we know I guess.
As wtih against Panathinaikos, we looked pretty solid and energetic, but missing our shotting boots. We can't 0-0 our way to promotion. Cathcart was so wasteful on the ball - it would be good to sign an upgrade if we're losing Samir. Sierralta looked very good and as if he hadn't missed a beat from the last Champ season, which was pleasing. Kabs seemed decent defensively but also a bit wasteful on the ball (though not as bad as Cathcart). Sema seemed one of our sharpest playe, if we do sign a replacement RWB as Giaretta's comments have suggested then it'll almost be harsh having him on the bench when on form. Kamara isn't a RWB, did well to get to the byline a couple of times but then couldn't pass with his right foot. Kayembe did pretty well, he'll be good in the Champ. TDB also did alright, though got outfought a bit too often perhaps. JP typical performance, some silky skills but poor decision making or execution at times with the final ball. Manaj seemed a nuisance and had our best chance of the first half which was going in if not for Bednarek's block. Dennis was surprisingly lacking more in quality than effort. Was too over-exuberant at times and gave away some stupid free-kicks. Did briefly come alive in front of goal once in the secnod half though and forced a good block. Not quite sure why some above are getting so enthused about Asprilla, we lost control of the game after he came on and he hardly had a touch for the first 20 minutes. He had a couple of decent moments but a bit too much on the periphery, unsurprisingly. He seems a good prospect but will need to be used wisely. Bayo looked quick and did well to help set up the Dennis chance. Could have done better with the finish when he had his own chance from our set-piece.
How comes? He doesn't seem to be top of anyone's list. I think he may go as a panic signing towards the end of the window but if someone really wanted him, I don't think the fee would be much of an issue OR we would've heard more than we have so far.
I'm quite encouraged after seeing that, we look organised and you can see an identity being created by Edwards. Far from the finished product but I can see some good signs, I just hope we give him the squad he needs.
In fairness to TDB, Southampton had a couple of midfielders physicaly bigger than what hes likely to face in the championship .That number 45 seemed huge on the stream.
I was quite enjoying myself until the goons behind the goal started the "we've got the ball..etc" chant and all the feelings of loathing I had for the team and elements of our support for much of last season came flooding back.
I think the biggest plus of today was that we looked well-coached and played with purpose and energy. The players are clearly getting used to the new formation and the new methods. Good to see. Good too not to have any obvious injuries. The result isn’t important and nobody will remember it come Monday week, but I guess it’s good not to get thumped and lose confidence. There’s certain to be player moment and sadly an injury or two and maybe ever covid before our opening match. I would say probably 6-7 of today’s starting line-up would look a good bet to start on Monday week. Samir’s potential move back to Italy is a blow, Gaspo’s arrival a real bonus and we wait to see what other comings or comings there are. Rumours about Sarr and Dennis will probably continue for a few weeks yet and uncertainty too about any PL loans coming our way. But I think we saw today and last weekend that we have the base of a fairly decent side coming together. Goals still look an issue. Sad that neither new forward has managed to score in pre-season. I know friendlies don’t really matter that much but still it would have done both good I think to have got off the mark. But strange things can happen on opening days as we’ve seen the last two seasons. Who’d have predicted Cathcart winning us the Boro match of us leading Villa 3-0? Over the coming days and weeks I’m sure players will surprise us in good ways and sadly a few will disappoint. I’m quite looking forward.
I know it won't ever change and I'll have to suck it up, but I am lost as to the purpose of that third CB. Sierralta was heading everything away on his own while we looked desperately short in midfield. Kabasele and Cathcart can't pass. Gaspar is most definitely not a wing back either, he's a defensive full back. Surely you should fit the formation to the players, not the other way around - clear for all to see when Xisco made that change against Bristol.
Yep. Certainly seems like there is a plan and purpose which is great to see. As for our prospects it feels like everything hinges on keeping one of Sarr or Dennis. Don’t think we will score enough without one of them.
Agreed. Think midfield is the weak point but Asprilla has some real hallmarks or being the real deal. I just f*cking love centre midfielders (and wingers) who’s first thought is to carry the ball beyond their marker.
Sarr was watching today. I noticed him walking round the pitch when a middle aged kidult near me practically wet his pants trying to get a selfie with him
Sorry - should have elaborated. It was the ‘someone’s has told him he’ll be here until the end of August’ comment that triggered my reply. I don’t see how such a promise could be made that’s all. I don’t think he did enough last season for anyone to really want him and banish their doubts about his character. One of those factors maybe - but not both - and not at £20m+ But bids can come in at any point when clubs become desperate etc - I don’t see how the assurance can be given to Edwards over timeframes of certain departures.
I really fear this is going to be an ongoing thing. Ucko etc leading the charge about how ‘class’ it was at the time.
An update on my earlier reply; The u21s were down to play West Brom's PL2 side today but it may have been 2x 45min halves, 1 against a West Brom PL2 side and 1 against a Hertha Berlin XI. Hertha won 1-0 against WBA and 4-0 (I think, they definitely scored 4) against us. WBA & Hertha 1st XI's later played a 90 minute friendly with the Baggies winning 2-1. Dodi Lukebakio played for Hertha.
Sorry but Gaspar isn’t a defensive full-back. I’m not saying he’s Trent Alexander-Arnold - or even Kiko in attacking terms. But he’s decent going forward and simply isn’t a stay at home FB.
I have been following Watford for many years and even during the leanest times never really seriously considered chucking it in. But if this chant and the 'we're f.. Ing s.. T' and 'how s**t must you be it's only one nil' continues I will find something else to do on Saturday afternoon
I have no views on this match as I have not seen it, but if the new head coach is imposing a new style of play - I hope people do not get upset if it’s still work in progress after 8 games - got to give him to the World Cup break if by then we are in striking distance of the top 2 that would be a good start imho
A positive performance against a decent PL side, and a thread full of positive comments, good stuff! Well, mostly positive comments...
Ok so… After 5 pre-season matches are now complete, who do you think could be sent out on loan before the window shuts? Based on their lack of minutes so far, I’d say Baah (though I hope he stays) and Metube. How about Pollock or a surprise such as Quina or Ngakia? I’m thinking back to last season when a few players we thought might stay with us were loaned out.
He was massive in the flesh . Looked more like a heavyweight boxer than a footballer. Also not sure if it came across on the stream but JP has bulked up massively ( in a good way ) looks a proper no 9 now .
One of my highlights of the 1st-half was watching Sema chugging after a ball played in behind Southampton's defence. He looked like Stephenson's Rocket going downhill with a strong tailwind. Bits of him could be heard rattling and for a split-second I thought his head was going to come loose such was the vigorous 'pecking' movement his neck was managing. I swear a gentleman's top-hat was dislodged from the amount of vibrations his slapping feet were making on the pitch. He's never a ******* wing-back.
Yeah , I don’t mind a bit of gallows humour but the humour in those gags has a very short shelf life . Hopefully winning games will put all that to bed .
I enjoyed that. Good workout against a strong Southampton side. Rarely troubled at the back and we were the team most likely to score. It’s clear Edwards has got them working hard. There were a couple of moments where I thought Southampton were in only for the danger being sniffed out by a covering player. That hard working ethic was great to see. Looks like Bachmann is going to be the number one. Doesn’t surprise me, as I think he’s a lot more agile than Okoye. Really pleased seeing Dennis out there and taking it seriously. Asprilla is going to be a real player for us. I wanted to see how he did against a physically strong team and he competed well. He has a real confidence about him and I was impressed. Did brilliantly well to out jump two defenders to flick on giving Dennis his best chance of the match. Overall a lot of positives. Nice to see Wealdstone’s ground, as I’ve never been there before. Nice and warm, cheap beer. What’s not to like. Good day out.
