All’s well that ends well for Shakespeare but not Mazzarri
Walter Mazzarri’s future as Watford manager appears increasingly precarious and it is Craig Shakespeare who looks far more likely to be in the technical area next season.
A fifth successive away defeat without scoring will pile more pressure on Mazzarri, while his decision to drop Troy Deeney is unlikely to generate support with the majority of supporters.
The Italian will be instructed to improve Watford’s style of play next season, which is considered far too reserved by the club’s board, yet this dismal end to the campaign may threaten his hopes of remaining in charge.
Shakespeare appears more certain to be in the Premier League rat race next season following this comfortable win that finally ends any lingering fears of relegation to the Championship.
Since Shakespeare took charge in February, only Tottenham and Liverpool have secured more league points and another victory never looked in doubt.
There was a montage of Leicester’s title win before kick-off, complete with that spine-tingling performance from Andrea Bocelli, and Shakespeare has revitalised the champions.
A brilliant third goal from Marc Albrighton perfectly captured the turnaround under Claudio Ranieri’s former No2.
“It’s one we can look at now, the whole club, and we can be very pleased we have managed to secure Premier League survival,” he said.
“I don’t think you can take anything for granted [getting the job permanently]. I have an assistant manager’s contract after the end of the season so I have to make sure I do everything professionally.
“The remit was to take it until the end of the season and we will then sit down and discuss it. I’ve not been told anything else so that’s what we will do.
“We have three games left – two at the King Power and one away – and I want to finish on a high.”
It was a surprise that it took Leicester until seven minutes before halftime to make the breakthrough, capitalising on sloppy defending to spark theatrics on the touchline from Mazzarri.
Danny Drinkwater’s cross into the area created panic and, after Etienne Capoue’s poor clearance, Wilfred Ndidi’s finish from 10 yards out was emphatic.
Leicester were on top, with Riyad Mahrez’s deflected strike hitting the top of the crossbar before Vardy was denied by Heurelho Gomes early in the second half.
Watford’s fans were soon chanting for Deeney, benched for the fourth time this season, but their team fell further behind in the 58th minute after another defensive aberration.
This time it was Adrian Mariappa, whose poor touch enabled Mahrez to advance into the area and poke a shot under Gomes. It was a fine way to mark the Algerian’s 100th Premier League appearance.
Deeney was finally introduced at the midway point but Leicester were in total control and could have had more goals.
Albrighton did add a third in added time, brilliantly finishing a move that started in their own penalty area. Substitute Demarai Gray sent Jamie Vardy clear and the striker’s cross to Albrighton in the area concluded a thrilling counter-attack. Watford’s fans booed their team off at the final whistle and Mazzarri is in trouble.
“I am not thinking about my future. We managed to get to 40 points with six matches left, that was our objective, maybe the players were a bit tired,” he said.
“I am very sorry to lose 3-0 against this team. You wouldn’t commit these mistakes if you had more experience. We have a very young squad. We are disappointed and sorry for the fans.”