Watford’s dire second half of last season could have easily had alarm bells ringing. Looking all too much like a team that had relaxed in the knowledge they had achieved their base season goal of avoiding relegation, the Hornets were potentially sliding towards a challenging second season.
Instead, under the stewardship of Walter Mazzarri, Watford have started the season well. Three defeats in six matches may not suggest quite that, but two of the season’s best team performances imply Mazzarri’s side have plenty more to come. A poor performance away at Burnley halted any early momentum that was accumulating, although it doesn’t chip away any of the glow that surrounded the matches against both West Ham and Manchester United.
Every single outlet seems to be looking for who can replicate, or come close to, Leicester’s performance of last season. Not that it really makes any sense, of course. Rather, we should be looking at the clubs that can overachieve and perhaps shock us with their displays rather than results.
Watford, for these reasons, are one of those…
Managerial factor
Watford hiring a manager whose previous two clubs are Napoli and Internazionale says a lot about the current strength of the Premier League and relative weakness of Italian football. It wasn’t exactly all rosy for Mazzarri at his previous two clubs, but he has a wealth of experience as a manager.
Having two jobs of that stature speaks volumes for Mazzarri’s abilities and the work he did in Naples should not be downplayed by anyone. Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik shot to prominence under the stewardship of Mazzarri, as his team challenged their opponents with an offensive game that featured unmarkable fluidity from their forwards.
The late slumber at Inter should not shadow over Mazzarri’s ability. It was considered a coup when he arrived at Watford and it is the calibre of appointment that reflects a football club with genuine intent.
Formation wildcard
Amidst the overwhelming levels of 4-2-3-1s and occasional 4-3-3s, Watford are a refreshing change with their 3-5-2 system. Teams need to prepare differently, set up their side to cover different areas defensively and face the challenging prospect of two centre forwards, which has become somewhat alien to the Premier League in recent years.
But providing something different is irrelevant if you cannot execute the plans well. Watford, despite some early teething difficulties, look like they can execute the 3-5-2 to perfection. A lot of it comes down to how well the three central midfielders balance, to offer runs beyond the forwards as well as protection.
A formation alone will not win Watford games, but it certainly makes them a challenging prospect for many Premier League sides all too used to dealing with 4-2-3-1.
Goals win prizes
Odion Ighalo is yet to return to the majestic form that saw him devastate so many Premier League defences last season, although the forward has shown glimmers of becoming a real danger to the opposition once again. Confidence is the key for any forward and there are signs Ighalo is growing in self belief again.
In Troy Deeney, the Hornets have one of the league’s most consistent performers. This has been the preferred pairing for Mazzarri so far, despite Isaac Success looking a threat in his appearances.
If any side is to spring a surprise on the opposition, they need to have several sources of goals. Watford certainly have that.
