Wat a day!
TWO IN A MINUTE FOR HORNETS
THE BIG GUNS were out at Molineux yesterday and it was Wolves who found themselves in the unfamiliar position of being in the firing line.
The Premier League’s new boys discovered just how costly a 58-second switch-off can be when there are players like Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure, Roberto Pereyra and Etienne Capoue around.
How they made Wolves pay, Doucoure setting up Capoue for the out-of-the-blue first from distance and then passing to Pereyra to slot the second into the top corner less than a minute later.
Battered by Watford, they were then bashed by manager Nuno Espirito Santo who was quick to admit that complacency could have been an issue after selecting the same side for nine league games.
The Wolves boss said: “We didn’t play good, we didn’t play well, we didn’t perform, we didn’t get the result.
“It was a very bad first half. In the second half we showed some character. How you lose is important and we had shape and organisation in the second half.
“The first goal comes from bad passing allowing Watford to move the ball. When you concede you must control, you cannot make another mistake immediately after.”
The former Porto manager does not watch his players lose at home often. The last time in the league was January. This season has been all praise for the Nuno way and an unbeaten run of seven games in all competitions.
Pleasing on the eye, tight at the back – one goal conceded in those seven matches – Wolves have been everyone’s second-favourite team.
Compare this to Watford’s form – after a perfect start it has been patchy lately.
A first win in six games will delight Hornets’ boss Javi Gracia, who had to cope without captain Troy Deeney through injury.
The opening goal that went through Conor Coady’s legs was the lucky strike to ignite Gracia’s players. Having nosed their way into the lead the resulting performance was neat and professional.
Doucoure could have scored himself if not for a tackle by Ruben Neves but Watford’s gameplan was to hang on to what they had.
Wolves tried to fight back and subs Ruben Vinagre, Ivan Cavaleiro and Adama Traore all made a difference.
Traore was full of energy and his running caused Watford problems. Vinagre was also trying to make things happen but could not find a breakthrough. Cavaleiro, on for the final half hour, should have done better with a free header which flew way over the bar and Helder Costa was guilty of the same offence.
Watford manager Gracia said: “I am very pleased for my players and for the supporters because after the last defeat we had two tough weeks preparing this game. We have got a good reward.
“In the first half we dominated with a lot of possession, creating more chances, scoring two goals. In the second half we have defended well.
“We were playing against Wolves and we know they are playing well. They don’t concede many chances, they are a compact team.”
Much has been made of Watford’s poor run so Gracia will be hoping this is a turning point for his side.
Counterpart Nuno, meanwhile, must make the first difficult decision of the season and decide whether to stay loyal to his trusted 11 or ring the changes.