Saints had a decent result at Norwich midweek with 2 screamers from Archer and Matsuki. Hopes were again high as the coaches went up the M3 to Watford. Despite the worldies the talk all week was all about off the field action. Fernandes finally left to join West Ham and the club moved quickly to bring in Finn Azaz, Tom Fellowes and Casper Jander. On paper the loss of mercurial talent Fernandes was not as bad as it appeared. In comes, a number 10, arguably the best winger in the league and a highly rated midfielder.
Despite rumours and misinformation that all of them signed too late to play, Finn Azaz appeared on the team sheet for the Watford game. What would he bring to the team? In the end a quiet debut with misplaced passes and a lack of understanding with his fellow players meant, whilst not terrible it was a slow start to his Saints career. No doubt he gave it everything and given some more time he will link up better and I am sure he will be a great asset.
So on to the game. Grumbles that Robinson was not starting didn’t last long as Downes didn’t start despite being on the team sheet. First half Saints dominated, created chances and caused Watford no end of problems. “A lot of chances spurned” should be on the club crest after the last few years. Fans are used to rolling their eyes and clutching their heads in their hands. It is almost muscle memory now. I get the idea that the fans at work naturally hold their head in their hands and go “Aaargh” when the coffee machine is not working or the paperclips have run out. At least we had scored first and that is normally a sign that we will go on and win the game.
Then the second half happened. Watford changed tactics and went 4 at the back and suddenly looked way better. They brought on the highly rated, but too often injured Baah and he roughed up our defence. Our midfield was being bullied, Robinson was getting forward and leaving gaps in the centre and it wasn’t long before Watford pulled level. I am sure Bazunu could have had his angles better and shouldn’t have been beaten at that tight angle but Baah properly hit it and right in the corner. Then passes were scrappy and we lost our way.
Then the lifeline. Ryan Manning-Ward-Prowse stepped up and smashed in a cracker of a free kick. Time to manage the game and see it out. A few passes later some panic tackles and Watford got their own free kick. Irankunda stepped up and sent the ball top bin for 2-2. No amount of subs thrown on could change the momentum and was it a point gained or 2 lost? Fans were either on the side of “Watford look like a decent side this season with some serious talent” or that “Watford were terrible and we were worse”. A real mixed bag of comments coming out. Maybe it was frustration and expectation we should be slamming every team we face with our players but I do think Watford are better than people think. That said, 1W, 2D, 1L is not the greatest start to the season.
Next up is the boring International break and Will Still has 2 weeks to work with his new players before Portsmouth come to town. It goes without saying that it is a MUST WIN. Saints fans will accept nothing else.
