Johnson punished for putting City first
ANDRE CARRILLO celebrated his goal by putting his hands together to form the shape of a heart. For some reason you could not feel the love.
Under-strength teams and swathes of empty seats, this was the definition of underwhelming.
The bottom line is that Watford are in the next round, Bristol City are out. And that is about it really. It is a sad indictment on the FA Cup that Watford, the Premier League club, took this clash more seriously than their Championship visitors. Of course, Bristol City have bigger fish to fry, with the little matter of trying to stop Manchester City next. But there was a time when giant-killings meant something.
With the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Pep Guardiola’s side on Tuesday and a game against Norwich next Saturday on his mind, Lee Johnson fielded a youthful team, making seven changes in total; handing debuts to youngsters Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Opi Edwards.
‘We wanted to win but we have to make decisions, so no regrets,’ said Bristol City assistant manager Dean Holden.
Watford boss Marco Silva made just three alterations — though he did give a much-needed rest to star winger Richarlison.
Victory was more valuable for Watford as they sought to boost confidence following a run of one win in nine games. ‘We didn’t need this win to believe, but it’s important to win,’ Silva said.
‘We respected the competition and our fans. We needed to be serious and to fulfil our obligations. When you win it gives you more confidence.’
Watford took the lead in the 37th minute when Carrillo fired a low shot through goalkeeper Luke Steele’s body.
Troy Deeney grabbed the second, glancing home Tom Cleverley’s cross, before Etienne Capoue completed the scoring.