Watford head coach Gianfranco Zola says 'clean sheets don't matter as long as we score one more'

6:11pm Saturday 12th January 2013 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor

Zola: 'Clean sheets don't matter as long as we score one more' Zola: 'Clean sheets don't matter as long as we score one more'

Gianfranco Zola stressed Watford’s failure to keep clean sheets away from home is not an issue “as long as we score one more than the opposition” following his side’s 2-1 victory away to Middlesbrough.

The Hornets secured an excellent win over fellow promotion-chasers Boro this afternoon thanks to a goal from Matej Vydra in each half.

Watford looked set to keep a clean sheet on the road for the first time this season until Scott McDonald scored with one of the final touches of the game.

When asked whether the lack of clean sheets was frustrating, Zola replied: “Not really; I don’t mind as long as we score one more than the opposition. It also gives us the focus to keep working and improving.

“We are not a team that can say we are perfect; there is a lot of work to do and that gives you the edge to keep working.”

The first half was a dismal affair in terms of quality but Watford took the lead with their first shot on goal just before the break. A poor decision from Rhys Williams resulted in the defender chesting the ball back towards Jason Steele, which allowed Vydra to intercept and score from close range.

The Hornets were improved in the second half and grabbed another goal seven minutes before the end when Almen Abdi released Vydra, who slotted into the far corner.

Zola said: “The second half was good but the first half wasn’t really. We didn’t deserve to be 1-0 up in the first half; it was a present from the opposition. They had their chances in the first half and they played well but they didn’t take them.

“In the second half we stepped our game up a little bit and that was the difference really. Going forward we were much more positive and precise. It was a good performance in the end.”

Vydra has now scored 14 goals this season but Zola highlighted the fact the Czech Republic international could have picked up his first hat-trick in the yellow of Watford this afternoon had it not been for Steele and a wayward strike.

“He could have had more actually,” Zola said when asked about Vydra. “It is very unusual to see Matej miss shots like he did today but he was excellent obviously.

“The defenders were also very good today and also Cristian Battocchio and Abdi in the second half. I take a lot of pleasure from the performances today.”

“If he carrys on the way he is playing then he will get his hat-trick sooner rather than later,” Zola added.

Watford are starting to develop a reputation for being one of the best counter-attacking sides in the division and did take advantage of Middlesbrough when the match became more stretched.

Zola downplayed the importance of Vydra’s goal though, in terms of their ability to counter-attack in the second half.

He said: “It wasn’t the goal; it was just us that were different. In the first half we had the opportunity to break but there was always a pass short or a run which was delayed. Second half was different; everyone was more tuned in.”

Click here to read today's match report.

Comments(39)

jasonwatford says...
6:54pm Sat 12 Jan 13

he's only 5ft 3

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HemelHornet says...
7:10pm Sat 12 Jan 13

he comes from Italy

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jasonwatford says...
7:19pm Sat 12 Jan 13

Gianfranco

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The Rover says...
7:28pm Sat 12 Jan 13

I think clean sheets will matter as goal difference could decide who gets into the play offs

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lockerbiehornet says...
8:36pm Sat 12 Jan 13

Hazlenut

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lockerbiehornet says...
8:36pm Sat 12 Jan 13

Hazlenut

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lutondown says...
8:38pm Sat 12 Jan 13

lockerbiehornet wrote:
Hazlenut
Fruit loaf

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GianlucaVialli the better italian says...
9:19pm Sat 12 Jan 13

lutondown wrote:
lockerbiehornet wrote:
Hazlenut
Fruit loaf
Celery, celery, if Zola don't come I'll tickle his bum with a lump of celery.

Report this post »

holtonian says...
9:21pm Sat 12 Jan 13

Brilliant win, great 3 points gained. Gianfranco has made many changes all season and on the norm been highly accurate in his sides put out. As we all know clean sheets are so important but yet again to get a 6 pointer is far more damaging to other contenders.
As for players departing only our boss knows who he has in mind and it is very hard to second guess moves. The transition most of our loanees have gained is now showing nicely. It is wonderful to have expectations, but and i stress but, we have a long way to get to premier standard. Sounds doom and gloom but would hate to end up like QPR, struggling
Exciting days back.

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Poppet Bear says...
11:23pm Sat 12 Jan 13

Shut outs are very important, we won't always score more than our opponents . Look at our home game with Charlton. Still cross about that. However, brilliant result today

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D.unstable says...
11:55pm Sat 12 Jan 13

Today's result was massive and I think it will be the one we look back on and say that was to one.

Lose it and 10 points behind them, win and it closes the top six up with our game in hand. All those around us are dropping points.

We are gaining momentum and are the in form team. People are finally starting to take note.

The horns are back in town!!!

Well done lads.

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corbindallas says...
8:57am Sun 13 Jan 13

Remember Zola stated that we are not ready for the PL this season! He is right as we only know too well from our previous visit with Aidy that getting there is one challenge staying there is another. We are not a killer team yet, we are in truth a patch work of players that are producing some stunning football and it is good to be a Watford supporter with the changes that are happening, but we are also still a selling club and if a couple of players are taken out the team would we still be as good as we currently are!? Take out afew loanees like Vydra and Chalobah and we will not look as good, yes Eustace is coming back in but he is no Chalobah and Deeney is doing very well but can't hold up against Vydra for skill and speed. We need to sort out a starting first team and I think what Zola is doing by mixing up the players is getting to grips with what he has and needs this season so as next season we hit the ground running. Hopefully we sign on the loanees we want permenantly so at least we know what is happening for the next few seasons at least, and also seek a viable replacement for when Chalobah goes back to Chelsea so as we can keep the formation and fluid play and counter attack football style we are getting a name for. Still exciting to be able to now talk about rationals and positive future than of the dark old days of whether we would have a club or not!

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lutondown says...
9:01am Sun 13 Jan 13

D.unstable wrote:
Today's result was massive and I think it will be the one we look back on and say that was to one.

Lose it and 10 points behind them, win and it closes the top six up with our game in hand. All those around us are dropping points.

We are gaining momentum and are the in form team. People are finally starting to take note.

The horns are back in town!!!

Well done lads.
Yes. A real six pointer.
I saw one post having a pop at Battachio, I think for the sake of it. Did he not see that exquisite pass for second goal?
Even got the header on BBC show.
By the way thanks Sheff Weds and Burnley!

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Boosey says...
9:37am Sun 13 Jan 13

GianlucaVialli the better italian wrote:
lutondown wrote:
lockerbiehornet wrote: Hazlenut
Fruit loaf
Celery, celery, if Zola don't come I'll tickle his bum with a lump of celery.
Are you that bearded Boro supporter i saw on the tv?
If Zola don't come?

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Travelling Hornet says...
10:04am Sun 13 Jan 13

Did anyone else notice Vydra patting the badge after he scored the second?
I saw that as a sign that he is now a contracted Watford player!!!

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Boosey says...
10:15am Sun 13 Jan 13

Disagree with Zola on; as long as we score one more.
He doesn't have to sit in Rookery biting ones nails.
So from a supporters point of view; as long as we score two more please Mr Zola.
Also automatic place for me please.
Nah! Forget that last bit, I fancy a good day out at Wembley.
Old Wembley, Cardiff & new Wembley.

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lutondown says...
10:26am Sun 13 Jan 13

Travelling Hornet wrote:
Did anyone else notice Vydra patting the badge after he scored the second?
I saw that as a sign that he is now a contracted Watford player!!!
I did And I think he means it.
Our enlightened source reckons the players have signed its just a matter of announcing. Also a regular run into Nani on motorway services and he posted on twitter that Vydra is staying.
Like everyone else, can't wait to see this confirmed!

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lutondown says...
10:28am Sun 13 Jan 13

Boosey wrote:
Disagree with Zola on; as long as we score one more.
He doesn't have to sit in Rookery biting ones nails.
So from a supporters point of view; as long as we score two more please Mr Zola.
Also automatic place for me please.
Nah! Forget that last bit, I fancy a good day out at Wembley.
Old Wembley, Cardiff & new Wembley.
No Autos please, my ticker has never beat so fast as this season!
By the way if I had that guys beard I would turn my head around and sport a perm with all that hair!
And if Zola don't come? Freudian slip from old banana cake there Boosey!

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Travelling Hornet says...
10:44am Sun 13 Jan 13

lutondown wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
Did anyone else notice Vydra patting the badge after he scored the second?
I saw that as a sign that he is now a contracted Watford player!!!
I did And I think he means it.
Our enlightened source reckons the players have signed its just a matter of announcing. Also a regular run into Nani on motorway services and he posted on twitter that Vydra is staying.
Like everyone else, can't wait to see this confirmed!
That will be great news and I think this week will be a perfect time to announce it .I feel a song coming on...........oh happy days..............

Report this post »

lutondown says...
10:46am Sun 13 Jan 13

Travelling Hornet wrote:
lutondown wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
Did anyone else notice Vydra patting the badge after he scored the second?
I saw that as a sign that he is now a contracted Watford player!!!
I did And I think he means it.
Our enlightened source reckons the players have signed its just a matter of announcing. Also a regular run into Nani on motorway services and he posted on twitter that Vydra is staying.
Like everyone else, can't wait to see this confirmed!
That will be great news and I think this week will be a perfect time to announce it .I feel a song coming on...........oh happy days..............
I like Jason's offering. Cold play!

Report this post »

Boosey says...
11:19am Sun 13 Jan 13

lutondown wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
lutondown wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote: Did anyone else notice Vydra patting the badge after he scored the second? I saw that as a sign that he is now a contracted Watford player!!!
I did And I think he means it. Our enlightened source reckons the players have signed its just a matter of announcing. Also a regular run into Nani on motorway services and he posted on twitter that Vydra is staying. Like everyone else, can't wait to see this confirmed!
That will be great news and I think this week will be a perfect time to announce it .I feel a song coming on...........oh happy days..............
I like Jason's offering. Cold play!
Watch Jimmy Tourettes singing Angels on Youtube. I know it has nothing to do with football but i nearly ruptured something laughing so much!

Report this post »

CARDIFFHORN says...
12:09pm Sun 13 Jan 13

Travelling Hornet wrote:
Did anyone else notice Vydra patting the badge after he scored the second?
I saw that as a sign that he is now a contracted Watford player!!!
He has done that since he arrived, but hope your right.

Report this post »

Bush Hornet says...
12:44pm Sun 13 Jan 13

I reckon the top 2 spots are still up for grabs. Cardiff will wobble and it could set into a bad run (hope so), and Steve Bruce will have a tough Jan now because of his MOTM award. Leicester are the dark horses. Have you seen their goal difference?

We just need consistency and a fit Vydra and one of those spots is ours. Stuff the play offs there's too much of a gamble there.

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lutondown says...
1:44pm Sun 13 Jan 13

Boosey wrote:
lutondown wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
lutondown wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote: Did anyone else notice Vydra patting the badge after he scored the second? I saw that as a sign that he is now a contracted Watford player!!!
I did And I think he means it. Our enlightened source reckons the players have signed its just a matter of announcing. Also a regular run into Nani on motorway services and he posted on twitter that Vydra is staying. Like everyone else, can't wait to see this confirmed!
That will be great news and I think this week will be a perfect time to announce it .I feel a song coming on...........oh happy days..............
I like Jason's offering. Cold play!
Watch Jimmy Tourettes singing Angels on Youtube. I know it has nothing to do with football but i nearly ruptured something laughing so much!
PMSL! Need a word about his beanie mind!
In equal measure u tube Erik Hartmann laughs at guest. Ive watched it hundreds of times and still makes me weep!

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lutondown says...
1:45pm Sun 13 Jan 13

Bush Hornet wrote:
I reckon the top 2 spots are still up for grabs. Cardiff will wobble and it could set into a bad run (hope so), and Steve Bruce will have a tough Jan now because of his MOTM award. Leicester are the dark horses. Have you seen their goal difference?

We just need consistency and a fit Vydra and one of those spots is ours. Stuff the play offs there's too much of a gamble there.
Bush, I've looked at the fixture list, it's on. Zola keep playing your best 11 whoever they may be

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Bush Hornet says...
4:34pm Sun 13 Jan 13

The truth is we all knew it was realistic to have a longer term view. But now we're past the halfway mark and looking strong it's tantalising and I'm well and truly sucked in! I want it all and I want it now!

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CARDIFFHORN says...
4:45pm Sun 13 Jan 13

Bush Hornet wrote:
I reckon the top 2 spots are still up for grabs. Cardiff will wobble and it could set into a bad run (hope so), and Steve Bruce will have a tough Jan now because of his MOTM award. Leicester are the dark horses. Have you seen their goal difference?

We just need consistency and a fit Vydra and one of those spots is ours. Stuff the play offs there's too much of a gamble there.
Agree top two spots are up for grabs however Cardiff will have to have a massive wobble to fail now and they showed their prioritity with last weeks cup team. Leicester certainly are the current dark horses Wood is scoring for fun at the moment(though Bristol back 5 were awful yesterday). I will settle for play offs and remember we are ahead of schedule!

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Travelling Hornet says...
9:56pm Sun 13 Jan 13

CARDIFFHORN wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
Did anyone else notice Vydra patting the badge after he scored the second?
I saw that as a sign that he is now a contracted Watford player!!!
He has done that since he arrived, but hope your right.
No you are wrong , he's never done that before.

Report this post »

lutondown says...
9:58pm Sun 13 Jan 13

Travelling Hornet wrote:
CARDIFFHORN wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
Did anyone else notice Vydra patting the badge after he scored the second?
I saw that as a sign that he is now a contracted Watford player!!!
He has done that since he arrived, but hope your right.
No you are wrong , he's never done that before.
He loves it here, the comforting thing is under Pozzo our fellow promo chasers have got no chance

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The Not-so-enlightened one says...
7:36am Mon 14 Jan 13

'clean sheets don't matter as long as we score one more'... nice to see the spirit of our blessed Lord GT is alive and well!

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northofwatfordpete says...
7:49am Mon 14 Jan 13

Scott McDonald always scores against us - should have put my savings on it.

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Travelling Hornet says...
8:40am Mon 14 Jan 13

lutondown wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
CARDIFFHORN wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
Did anyone else notice Vydra patting the badge after he scored the second?
I saw that as a sign that he is now a contracted Watford player!!!
He has done that since he arrived, but hope your right.
No you are wrong , he's never done that before.
He loves it here, the comforting thing is under Pozzo our fellow promo chasers have got no chance
Yeah and the best bit of being part of the Pozzos empire is when he is sold there will be a shoe in replacement , hopefully a couple of years time.
How good are his goals ? Not just his finishes but the moves leading to them , from Almunia , three or four quick passes and boom!

Report this post »

lutondown says...
8:43am Mon 14 Jan 13

Travelling Hornet wrote:
lutondown wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
CARDIFFHORN wrote:
Travelling Hornet wrote:
Did anyone else notice Vydra patting the badge after he scored the second?
I saw that as a sign that he is now a contracted Watford player!!!
He has done that since he arrived, but hope your right.
No you are wrong , he's never done that before.
He loves it here, the comforting thing is under Pozzo our fellow promo chasers have got no chance
Yeah and the best bit of being part of the Pozzos empire is when he is sold there will be a shoe in replacement , hopefully a couple of years time.
How good are his goals ? Not just his finishes but the moves leading to them , from Almunia , three or four quick passes and boom!
And that pass from Battachio for his second, and that great move by Eustace for what have been his hat trick!

Report this post »

corbindallas says...
8:49am Mon 14 Jan 13

So the general consensus is stuff the plan let's go for it now! Ok I'm with you but still think we need to tie a few players down, sooner rather than later to make it more comfortable.

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lutondown says...
8:53am Mon 14 Jan 13

corbindallas wrote:
So the general consensus is stuff the plan let's go for it now! Ok I'm with you but still think we need to tie a few players down, sooner rather than later to make it more comfortable.
For sure, i think Corby, the difference Is now that we have the back up to ensure we have the tools to stay up, where as the last two campaigns were almost impossible.
Anyway, good to see you back!

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Chris the Vic says...
9:20am Mon 14 Jan 13

If we are to sign players we need to do it NOW.

The fixtures are really interesting the way they fall:
5 games against the top 7,7 of the 8 against the mid table guys and 8 games against the bottom 8.

Of the next 13 fixtures we play Palace at home 5 clubs from the middle and 7 from the basement clubs. The final run of 6 games sees us away at three top teams and home to Cardiff.

So off the next 13 games we could do with at least 30 points. With our squad we can surely pick up away points in abundance but the home crowd needs to stand up and be counted, if so automatic promotion is achievable.

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davesol says...
10:29am Mon 14 Jan 13

Poppet Bear wrote:
Shut outs are very important, we won't always score more than our opponents . Look at our home game with Charlton. Still cross about that. However, brilliant result today
He said that clean sheets are not important as long as we score more than the opposition i.e. they are not important for their own sake. The problem in the charlton game wasn't that we didn't keep a clean sheet - it was that we let in more than 2! personally i would rather watch 3-2's and 4-3's than 1-0's every week

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buckler says...
10:37am Mon 14 Jan 13

GianlucaVialli the better italian wrote:
lutondown wrote:
lockerbiehornet wrote:
Hazlenut
Fruit loaf
Celery, celery, if Zola don't come I'll tickle his bum with a lump of celery.
Very strange! At least we know what sort of bloke/transgender you are now!

Report this post »

Bringe says...
2:19pm Mon 14 Jan 13

If we win the next 3 we go 2nd ... ATAF

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