Mixed fortunes in seven-goal results for promoted Norwich and Watford
Canaries hammered 7-0 at Chelsea before Ranieri records his first win for Hornets in 5-2 victory at Everton
Two clubs promoted to the Premier League endured vastly different experiences of seven-goal results yesterday as Norwich City were crushed 7-0 by Chelsea while Watford fought back to steamroll Everton 5-2.
The season may only be nine matches old but it looks set to be a familiar story for Norwich. Bottom of the table and still seeking their first win, table-toppers Chelsea were in no mood to be accommodating at Stamford Bridge.
Mason Mount, without a goal in his previous 15 club matches, helped himself to a hat-trick, while fellow Academy graduates Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James also got on the scoresheet.
England international Ben Chilwell extended his rich vain of scoring form with his fourth goal in his past five games for club and country, while an own goal for Max Aarons compounded a miserable afternoon for Norwich.
“Before the game, I put pressure on myself to get on the scoresheet because it’d been quite a long time since I did,” Mount said. “Then three goals in one game.
“We were on it for the whole game. We never stopped.”
Manager Thomas Tuchel was understandably pleased with his team’s performance but insisted it is far too early in the season to be discussing their title credentials. “We were sharp and put in a lot of effort,” the German said. “We pressed high and won many balls, we played with a high rhythm and created a lot of chances.
“To score seven you also need a bit of luck and momentum, but it was a good effort. You don’t find any manager in the world who gives you a statement on favourites or the title race in October.
“We are where we are and we know what we want to do. We have to keep working hard to keep the momentum going.”
While Chelsea continue to motor, Norwich are yet to even find first gear and have accumulated just two points this season. However, Norwich manager Daniel Farke is in no mood to throw in the towel, particularly at this early stage of the campaign.
“It’s an unbelievably tough day. In all areas we were not good enough for this level,” he said. “We were nowhere near to what we can play. The goals we conceded were not even too difficult to defend against. For this world-class level we were not competitive enough.
“It’s not the right moment to start a discussion [about relegation]. It’s not the time to talk too much, it’s time to roll the sleeves up and work.”
Farke has been in charge of Norwich since May 2017 and has twice led the club to promotion to the Premier League, although his record in the topflight is dismal: in the last 19 matches, Norwich have lost 17, drawn two, and scored just three goals.
While the support he receives from the club’s board is admirable, there is a case to be made that change could provide Norwich the jolt they desperately need if they are to retain their Premier League status.
Watford, on the other hand, have not been shy about replacing their managers and were quick to dismiss Xisco earlier this month, replacing the Spaniard with Claudio Ranieri.
It is still very early days in the Italian’s tenure but just hours after Farke’s Norwich side were dismantled, his Watford team went to Goodison Park and thrashed Everton 5-2. It was an emphatic response from Watford, who were soundly beaten 5-0 by Liverpool in Ranieri’s first game in charge.
Joshua King grabbed a hattrick on his return to his former club as Watford twice fought back from going a goal behind to earn three crucial points.
Demarai Gray opened the scoring for Everton in the first three minutes. Richarlison restored the hosts’ lead after King’s equaliser, but a late blitz from the visitors – including two more goals from King and one each for Juraj Kucka and Emmanuel Dennis – secured a stunning victory.
“I didn’t get given a chance [at Everton],” said King, who spent the second half of last season at Everton on a short-term contract but failed to break into the first team. “That’s football – but I feel like every time someone doubts you, or doesn’t believe in you, you want to prove a point. I felt I had a point to prove.”
While Mount scored a hat-trick for Chelsea, King returned to Everton to prove a point with three goals for Watford