Are Granada always this bad? Serious question here. I saw several things in the space of less than 10 minutes that would have had me off my feet and yelling if I were there this evening.
I'd say they are frustrating as opposed to bad. Lots of positives tonight but a mindless last 10 mins.
They played well really and Success seemed right on the path of becoming a great player. But it's horrible to waste a huge chance to lead 4-1 and end up in 9 men with a 3-3 draw.
Really important match about to start, some say (I don't think so) it may be crucial for coach future. We need a win, we need it in a psychologic way.
Didn't follow the match, but 1 point against a Real Betis in good position in table doesn't look bad to me. A win would have been better of course, but 1 point at least moves a little the table.
1-1. We started winning but we made a crazy penalti: Corner and one of our players... Hit the ball in a volley style, even he was like: "What the **** i just did?" We also scored a second goal, a "ghost goal" as we call it here (I don't know the english word) where someone try to take the ball out almost in the line, but it wan't a goal for the referee. Every game there is a penalti, red card or goal that the referee **** up... It's hard to play against that.
Watford have had a lot of bad deals from referees in recent years as well, though so far this season they have not been too bad.
Yes, at last the first win in the new stadium. More decent position in table now. +5 on relegation zone (but I never thought we'd be involved seriously in relegation battle, as there are several very very weak teams like Carpi, Verona, Bologna, Frosinone). The mid table is very crowded and compact so we are now 14th but just 4 points away from 6th. Next one is away with Roma which is top of the league. Won't be easy.
Another loss for Udinese last night, albeit against Roma. Whatbdi you think of Colantuono so far, Sherlock?
Espanyol equaliser in the 94th minute. I'm feeling frustrated here and I'm not even a Granada fan. ****ing ridiculous really. Clowns.
A draw away usually is not so bad, at least a point to move up a little. Granada had now 4 consecutive draws. Yet it's worrying that they haven't won in last 8 games (before the 4 draws there were 4 consecutive losses). Two of these draws were ridiculous in not being able to defend the lead. Sporting Gijon - Granada 3-3: Granada was winnind 3-1 and Sporting scored at 88' and 96'. Today Espanyol scored the equalizer at 94'. With those 4 points lost at the last minute, Granada would be in a much more confortable 14th place in table.
Maybe it's time to return the favours that Udinese & Granada have done for us over the last few years and loan them some of our fringe players, or possibly some of our youngsters.
I can't imagine any of our fringe players would be able to benefit Udinese or Granada. If Granada go down, we may see a few move over (Angella?), but I wouldn't have thought they'd be interested in the likes of Lloyd Dyer (who is one of few players in our squad with very little chance of playing).
Holebas too maybe, if he is not OK at WFC with QFS. Maybe also one between Ibarbo and Diamanti if they fancy playing more in Liga rather than staying mostly on bench in Premier.
I agree, Diamanti, Belkalem and possibly Holebas if he does not want to play for us? Also some of the other guys we have out on loan if we are able to call them back in January. They could all help out most likely at Granada, or possibly even at Udinese if they need any help?
I get the impression he wants to keep Ibarbo, to be honest I think he would have enjoyed himself against West Ham.
Apparently Gino said Diamanti already chose us over Udine for family reasons. Would be surprised if a midseason move to Spain figured in his plans either.
Didn't realise Udinese were doing so poorly. Agree with previous posts, can see one or two of our spares going over on loan - Holebas, Diamanti, Ibarbo all have Serie A experience Belkalem could fit either club Free up some wages for Adebeyor.... What formation do Udinese play these days, still 352?
Holebas is a decent shout, whatever formation they play. Not sure whether he'd want to go, but I get the impression he'd like to be anywhere but in Watford. Can't say I know who they currently have on the left, but I can't imagine he's much worse, based on last season for Roma rather than this season for us.
We're quite low in table. Yet strangely I'm not too worried but only because I think there are at least 3 worse teams in serie A. Not a great consolation, I admit. We haven't been very lucky with injuries. Toto Natale is feeling the weight of age apparently but Duvan Zapata (taken on a 2-year loan from Napoli in the Allan transfer that also let to Britos to WFC) had an excellent begin of season with 3 goals in 6 matches (410' played) before being taken out by a long term injury (until half February). Equally long injuries are keeping out Guilherme (our playmaker, showing great improvement from past season during pre-season) and Evangelista (promising attacking midfielder). All the injuries are not an excuse anyway for the lack of playing capability and the "shyness" that the team showed in many games. Glimpses of real determination during some matches show that there are ample margins for improvement over the mediocre average performance we've seen so far. Maybe Colantuono's fault? Probably, but not a good idea to change coach at half season unless absolutely necessary. Formation is still a sort of 3-5-2. Sometimes 3-5-1-1, sometimes 3-4-2-1. Almost always 3 in defence anyway except in a couple of brief spells in matches where 4 in defence were tryed. On the left we have Ali Adnan, the Iraqi player, who has been on of the best surprises so far in season. Holebas if he comes would not be guaranteed at all to be starting 11. Yet Adnan played almost all games and in some seemed tired. When subbed, behind him there's Pasquale who is decent but not so very good. Holebas and Adnan would probably alternate if he comes.
All 3 Pozzo sides are on TV in the UK this weekend. In addition to us (both on Sunday); Udinese v Sampdoria @ 2pm on BT Sport Europe Granada v Athletico Madrid @ 6pm on Sky Sports 5