Can Watford avoid relegation this season?

Watford have been one of the top flight’s most surprising clubs this season and the Hornets are currently sitting pretty in 13th after ten league fixtures. Quique Flores’ side have been extremely difficult to beat, losing just three matches all season – with two of those coming against Manchester City and Arsenal. After securing promotion from the Championship in May, many people tipped the Hornets for relegation at the first time of asking but the early signs indicate that Watford will be up for the task of securing their Premier League survival.

Heading into the campaign, many people were left asking where Watford’s goals were going to come from. However, their players have answered almost all of the criticism that has been thrown at them throughout the season. While they have scored a league-low eight goals in ten matches this campaign, it would be unfair to suggest that fans aren’t being treated to value for money. At the time of writing, Watford’s cheapest season ticket holders have seen a goal for every £53 they’ve paid. Compared directly to the remainder of England’s top flight, they are certainly getting their money’s worth in terms of Watford strikes.

In their most recent victory, Troy Deeney bagged his first Premier League goal of the season. The Watford striker was their talisman last term and was central to their Championship success. While he has been struggling, Watford’s other forwards have really stepped up to the plate and helped to net some crucial strikes in their opening ten matches. Odion Ighalo has been lethal in front of goal, netting five in the early stages of the campaign. Ighalo is one of the most talented stars on Watford’s roster and has attracted plenty of attention from some of England’s finest clubs.

Defensively, the Hornets have done what they’ve had to do. On the road, they have struggled to keep clean sheets at times this season but their ardant supporters have almost turned Vicarage Road into a fortress. They hadn’t conceded in a goal in any of their opening three Premier League fixtures at home before conceding to Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace at the end of September. Flores has instilled a sense of organisation and pride into this Hornets side and they look well organised, particularly in matches against the division’s bigger sides. Watford’s incredible supporters have really helped to lift the side – both at home and on the road.

So, will they avoid the drop? Only time will tell. Watford have definitely shown signs of quality in the opening stages of the campaign but it will be their consistency against the Premier League’s lesser teams that ultimately decides their fate. If Flores can keep confidence high, Watford will stand a great chance of securing their top flight status for a second successive season but they cannot afford to make rash decisions – both on and off the field.

Posted by Natter Football

  1. Avoid the drop?

    Top ten finish more like

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  2. Watford were good on Sat. We live in Stoke, but we’re with the fans and the atmosphere was great. So pleased they won, especially at Stoke. If they play like that, score the goals, they will stay up.

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