ARSENAL v WATFORD
IF EXPERIENCE counts in last-day survival shoot-outs, Hayden Mullins may yet prove Watford’s trump card.
Sure, his second spell as Hornets caretaker boss, following Nigel Pearson’s shock sacking, began in desperate fashion with Tuesday’s 4-0 home thumping by Manchester City.
And, yes, it is true that made it no wins from three top-flight games in the Vicarage Road dug-out for Mullins – and dropped the club into the drop zone… on goal difference.
But if that appears a decidedly dodgy situation, going into the final afternoon of the pandemic-savaged season, all might not be lost.
Because one person who has first-hand knowledge of what it will take for Watford to produce a miracle at the death – and stay alive – is their interim manager.
Mullins was a member of the West Ham side that did exactly that in May 2007 – when Carlos Tevez scored in a 1-0 win at Manchester United, keeping the Londoners up at Sheffield United’s expense.
Recalling one of the greatest escapes in Premier League history, Mullins believes the key to the Irons defying the odds was unity and spirit.
Essential traits for a dogfight that he promises will be evident at the Emirates today – inside the Watford camp.
Mullins, who first assumed the reins in December after Quique Sanchez Flores’ dismissal, said: “We had togetherness in 2007, a good team ethic. We were all pulling in the same direction.
“Which is what the boys here are showing. In the last few days, the group has been fine and the work ethic very good.
“Honestly, at times you’re trying to calm the players down – training has been that competitive.
“Whichever 11 go on the pitch on Sunday, they will have that togetherness and one common goal.”
But do Watford have an individual of Tevez’s class, capable of turning proceedings with one moment of mercurial magic?
Too right they do, says Mullins. Indeed, he claims his strugglers boast several potential match-winners – superior to the legendary Argentine hitman.
“We have some absolutely fantastic players,” said the former Crystal Palace and Portsmouth midfielder – without naming names.
“Carlos was very good, but we’ve got really good players, with different qualities – some even better than Carlos.”
Having tasted relegation with Portsmouth in 2011, Mullins can also remind Troy Deeney (below) and Co that it is not merely their futures as elite stars which are going to be at stake against the Gunners.
Pompey’s decline was rapid and resulted in them going bust. The
South Coast club had to be rebuilt from scratch.
Mullins, 41, added: “I think you can use that as motivation, but I’m also sure our players understand that we have good staff here.
“We know what we need to do for them on Sunday.
“It’s about getting the balance right because you have to know in your mind what you need to do. You have to be focused.
“You must come out with passion and fight, but also with clear and calm heads.
“We must play with our heads
– not our hearts.”