Three things we learnt from Watford’s sensational comeback at West Ham

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Dire defending costs hosts dear

As the home side suddenly became more blunt in attack as Watford upped the intensity of their game, it wasn’t just the Hammers’ lack of penetration which cost them dear after an exhibition of comical defending handed the Hornets a route back into the match.

Odion Ighalo was allowed far too much space to drift inside for Watford’s opening goal despite the good fortune in the ricochet off James Collins, but the defending which led to Troy Deeney’s leveller was woeful. Welsh international Collins’ afternoon hit a low point when Ádrian rushed out of his goal to claim a long ball and Collins rose to try to head it back to his keeper. After the two collided in the aftermath, Deeney gratefully picked up the loose ball to curl home the equaliser.

Etienne Capoue’s goal for Watford’s third saw him in far too much space at the back post from West Ham’s point of view, and Ádrian should have done much better with Holebas’ strike, allowing the shot to squirm beyond him.

Slaven Bilic himself was quick to acknowledge that his side didn’t apply enough pressure on Watford for either of their two second half goals, claiming his side will not win a single game defending in such a manner. They will be aiming to put that right next weekend, as they face West Bromwich Albion.

Featured Image: All Rights Reserved by Stuart MacFarlane. https://www.flickr.com/photos/stuart_photoafc/