Watford and Millwall unable to make breakthrough at Vicarage Road

9:50pm Tuesday 6th November 2012 in Watford FC News By Anthony Matthews, Group Sports Editor

Watford had to settle for their second draw of the season following a 0-0 stalemate against Milwall at Vicarage Road this evening.

The first half was relatively uneventful in terms of goalmouth action, although Chris Wood could have put the visitors in front before Fernando Forestieri saw an effort cleared off the line just before the break.

The Hornets continued to ask the majority of the attacking questions in the second half but they were unable to find the necessary quality to open up Millwall’s well drilled ranks.

It looked like the closest the Hornets would come to scoring was when Forestieri and Jonathan Hogg shot narrowly wide. But as the game entered injury time, Almen Abdi was inches away from scoring when he hit the bar.

Gianfranco Zola made just the one enforced change following Saturday’s 2-1 win over Leicester City, with Joel Ekstrand coming in for his first start in place of the injured Fitz Hall.

There was no surprise that Kenny Jackett, five years to the day since he took charge of Millwall, named an unchanged line-up following his side’s impressive 4-1 victory at Nottingham Forest at the weekend. This meant skipper Danny Shittu and top scorer Darius Henderson both started, while another Vicarage Road old boy, Jack Smith, was on the bench.

The Hornets started confidently and the first eye-catching moment of note came in the third minute when Abdi tried to set Forestieri free with a lovely pass with the outside of his right foot but the 22-year-old was closed down by Mark Beevers and keeper David Forde was able to hold the attempted cut back.

Soon after, Abdi received the ball on the left edge of the penalty area and came inside to hit a right-footed shot that was struck well enough but lacked the necessary curl.

The Lions had their first effort in the seventh minute when they were awarded a free-kick 25 or so yards out to the left of centre but James Henry’s strike went harmlessly over the bar.

Troy Deeney saw a shot from outside the area deflected through to Forde as the hosts produced another quick one-touch build-up before Hogg went down under a challenge in the area, but the appeals were rather more in hope than expectation.

Chris Taylor had a strike blocked and then Marco Cassetti tried an ambitious effort from a long way out that was more of a threat to those in the Vicarage Road end than Forde’s goal.

Watford had dealt well with their opponents pumping deliveries into the box from various angles but they survived a big let off in the 18th minute when the ball rather got stuck under Lloyd Doyley’s foot and it broke for Wood. He looked set to score but his close-range effort was deflected narrowly wide of Manuel Almunia’s right-hand post. From the resultant corner, Beevers headed up and over the target.

It took the Hornets until the 27th minute to be awarded a free-kick but there could be few complaints about it as Adam Smith received the first yellow card for scything down Daniel Pudil.

Abdi was perhaps fortunate not to receive the same punishment moments later after a challenge on Taylor from behind but it was a mistake from another Hornets midfielder, Nathaniel Chalobah, that put his side in difficulty in the 32nd minute.

The Chelsea loanee was dispossessed by Taylor, instantly putting Millwall in a four-against-four situation as they broke forward at pace. The left-sided midfielder found Henderson on the left side of the area and he cut back inside on to his right foot to open up the shooting opportunity, only to slice his effort over the target.

The Hornets responded by winning their first two corners of the evening, the second of which led to the ball pinging around the Lions area for a brief period before the visitors cleared their lines.

While Forestieri was well off target with the Hornets’ next attempt, Liam Trotter briefly had alarm bells ringing when he caught a snap-shot well from 25 yards out but Almunia didn’t appear too concerned as the ball fizzed wide of his right-hand upright.

Abdi at least forced Forde to go to ground to save the next strike from outside the area but the Lions keeper was far from comfortable in dealing with the next attempt on his goal three minutes before the break.

It arose when Chalobah clipped a free-kick to the far post and Tommie Hoban came in round the back to prod it goalwards. The keeper momentarily looked as if he had let the ball squirm through his grasp but managed to grab it at the second attempt before he received a knock that required treatment.

Perhaps shaken by that, Forde tried to come and deal with a deep Pudil cross under pressure from Deeney but could only divert the ball down into the path of Forestieri. He lifted it back over the keeper but the visitors had got two covering players back and were able to head clear off the line as an opening period not short on effort, but lacking a cutting edge, ended goalless.

It was the visitors who had the first attempt of the second half six minutes after the restart when Henderson was played in down the left side of his area and his firm strike was diverted back out into the area by Almunia.

But that was to be the former Watford striker’s last involvement in the match as he sustained an injury and was given a good send off by the Rookery as he came off the pitch to be replaced by Josh Wright.

Andy Keogh replaced Henry soon after as Jackett made his second change but then the Hornets threatened to up the ante.

First Pudil had a shot blocked by Adam Smith and then Deeney hit a right-footed shot on the turn from the centre of the area that hit the support behind the goal.

The Hornets had another opportunity when following a free-kick into the heart of the Lions area, Deeney kept the ball alive before finding Pudil, whose left-footed strike on the turn from the edge of the six-yard box was blocked. However, the Czech international’s next involvement was to see him yellow-carded for a foul on Keogh.

Deeney saw another strike from the edge of the area clear the bar but in the 66th minute Zola decided to make his first change, bringing on Ikechi Anya for Cassetti as they sought that spark that would bring them a goal.

That almost arrived moments later when Forestieri worked a lovely back-heeled give-and-go with Deeney on the right side of the area before the former hit a first-time strike across goal and narrowly wide of the far post.

Taylor became the third player to be booked in the 70th minute for blatantly pulling back Anya, only to be joined by Hogg a minute later after he was adjudged to have been late in a challenge with Shane Lowry.

Forestieri’s involvement ended three minutes later when he made way for Matej Vydra and the substitute was quickly involved, working a give-and-go with Pudil down the left before getting to the by-line but his attempted pull back was gathered by Forde.

Chalobah received the Hornets’ third yellow card for a foul on Adam Smith and from the resultant free-kick, Wood directed a header straight at Almunia.

Alex Geijo replaced Deeney with seven minutes to go and then Hogg wasn’t too far away with a low strike from the right side of the area.

With Liam Feeney having replaced Trotter, Wright curled a long-range effort into Almunia’s waiting arms as five minutes of injury time were shown. And in the first of those Watford so nearly made the breakthrough when Abdi’s measured chip from the edge of the area dipped over Forde and rebounded off the bar and Pudil, from a tight angle to the left of goal, sent an acrobatic follow up just wide of the far post.

And that was as close as either side were to come to making the breakthrough as the contest ended in a goalless stalemate.

Watford: Almunia; Doyley, Ekstrand, Hoban; Cassetti (Anya 66), Hogg, Chalobah, Abdi, Pudil; Forestieri, (Vydra 73) Deeney (Geijo 84). Not used: Yeates, Smith, Thompson and Bond.

Millwall: Forde; A Smith, Shittu, Beevers, Lowry; Henry (Keogh 55), Trotter (Feeney 88), Abdou, C Taylor; Henderson (Wright 53), Wood. Not used: J Smith, Osborne, Malone and M Taylor.

Bookings: A Smith for a foul on Pudil (27); Pudil for a foul on Keogh (60); Taylor for a foul on Anya (70); Hogg for a foul on Lowry (71); Chalobah for a foul on A Smith (77).

Attendance: 11,293.

Referee: Gavin Ward.

Comments(55)

borohorn says...
10:08pm Tue 6 Nov 12

Defending better now and results are coming now too. Odd statement but though we rarely fail to score, I can't help feeling we are lacking a 'finisher'. I don't get to go much but still makes me wonder how vydra isn't a regular starter as he looks more a finisher than the others. Find a twenty goal a season man and that may be the difference between mid table or play offs.

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Bush Hornet says...
10:31pm Tue 6 Nov 12

Totally dominated and can't believe we didn't score. Love the football we play. Ekstrand did well. I agree Vydra is too good to sit on the bench.

Trains all screwed. Nearly missed the start, thinking my train was being held cause Millwall fans had kicked off at Watford Junc. Turns out some cable overhead was dodgy. Sorry Lutondown I'll get you an ale sometime

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Bush Hornet says...
10:41pm Tue 6 Nov 12

Oh yeah and I've just heard a Millwall fan on his phone saying they were the stronger side in the last 10 mins..??! If so then why did all their players waste as much time as they could get away with? They clearly came to get a point.

Anyway the Charlton Cardiff score made me laugh. I'm sure it was the refs fault

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mattymashup says...
10:44pm Tue 6 Nov 12

I went to the game, it was good entertainment but I feel we sometimes don't play the ball through fast enough. Good possession, unlucky not to make more chances. Millwall been on such a good run I'm not too unhappy with a draw.

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lutondown says...
10:48pm Tue 6 Nov 12

Bush Hornet wrote:
Oh yeah and I've just heard a Millwall fan on his phone saying they were the stronger side in the last 10 mins..??! If so then why did all their players waste as much time as they could get away with? They clearly came to get a point.

Anyway the Charlton Cardiff score made me laugh. I'm sure it was the refs fault
Bad luck buddy I was going to buy you a pint.
Think we are looking good defensively. I do not think Chabolah and Hogg compliment one another and needs looking at ( Murray Battachio?) id like to see Geijo given more time, and definitely more Vydra.
I liked Ekstrand and looks very accomplished.
Millwall were wary of us and parked the bus, on a better day we would have unlocked them.
Good to see Fatty is having his annual wobble come early!

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buckler says...
10:56pm Tue 6 Nov 12

Get Fitz Hall or Nosworthy fit! I thought Ekstrand was pony and Geijo needs to put some football boots on before coming onto the pitch! Sure he wasn't wearing any. Poor game served up! How millwall have scored 8 in 2 is a mystery .🚌🚌.

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lutondown says...
11:06pm Tue 6 Nov 12

buckler wrote:
Get Fitz Hall or Nosworthy fit! I thought Ekstrand was pony and Geijo needs to put some football boots on before coming onto the pitch! Sure he wasn't wearing any. Poor game served up! How millwall have scored 8 in 2 is a mystery .🚌🚌.
Ekstrand poor? Not in my book. No problems defensively. Geijo needs a decent run, as does Vydra.
Anyway bed. I've got the hump

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Bush Hornet says...
11:09pm Tue 6 Nov 12

LD right they parked the bus. Hence Buckler's icon? I thought Ekstrand got better as game wore on. MOM Doyley? Thought he was awesome in his limited way. Apparently Murray is really unhappy at Watford at the mo and wants to go on loan to Burnley. I say let him go and get some sharpness back

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buckler says...
11:16pm Tue 6 Nov 12

lutondown wrote:
buckler wrote:
Get Fitz Hall or Nosworthy fit! I thought Ekstrand was pony and Geijo needs to put some football boots on before coming onto the pitch! Sure he wasn't wearing any. Poor game served up! How millwall have scored 8 in 2 is a mystery .🚌🚌.
Ekstrand poor? Not in my book. No problems defensively. Geijo needs a decent run, as does Vydra.
Anyway bed. I've got the hump
You sit where I was sitting and Ekstrand was poor ! Side on you see , behind the goal you don't!. Luckily he improved but not enough.

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LoveKeithDublin says...
11:23pm Tue 6 Nov 12

Really disappointed with tonight. Whilst I'm loving seeing us trying to play good football, we lack cutting edge and our attacks are way too slow and predictable.

I think some of this is down to Zola insisting on playing one man up front. Whilst there are attacking minded midfielders in behind the forward, there is rarely anyone to aim for when we attack, and so moves break down and we end up passing sideways or backwards. Am I the only one who would love to see Vydra and Fostieri on the pitch at the same time?

I felt this way when we played Peterborough at home too. Even though we nicked that game with a late penalty, I felt Zola was way too defensively minded in playing just one up front (against the bottom side in the league who were shipping goals for fun) - a shame given the extra few thousand potential fans that day.

In short, it's good to see the defence shored up Zola, now lets be more adventurous and go for teams at home!

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Bush Hornet says...
11:35pm Tue 6 Nov 12

yes I would like to see Vydra and Forestieri play together. I think Deeney is a good championship player but I wouldn't make him first choice with this squad. Impact sub.

Don't get too down about it at least we didn't lose and the ref wasn't great but he didn't kill the game. And McFats lost.

Defensively very strong. Play offs I reckon. Not ready to go up just yet.

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Holly68 says...
11:40pm Tue 6 Nov 12

Lacked movement, pace, belief and a cutting edge HOWEVER we would have lost this a few weeks ago ....

Almunia : Excellent
Hoban : Amazing
Ekstrand : Superb
Doyley : Good
Pudil : Average
Abdi : Excellent
Hogg : Poor (drop for Battochio)
Chalobah : inconsistent
Cassetti : tired (rest in MBia)
Forestieri : good
Deeney : tired (rest in Vydra)

Anya : Ok
Vydra : Lively
Geijo : is a ball to feet player (not at his earhole)

Met Adam Levanthal before game, met Abdi afterwards, he is loving Watford, living in Emel with Joel Ekstrand his best friend.

When you think how good our back three played tonight, and we can rotate them with Hall, Neuton & Nosworthy, that's SOLID

Just need to threshen up midfield (Hogg lacks quality) and need to start Vydra

Millwall are a big solid side and in form team so draw a solid result


COYH

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WFC4ever says...
11:47pm Tue 6 Nov 12

I agree with your point that a few attacking players looked tired but both defences certainly dominated.

We do need to find more goals in the team...good football which is easy on the eye but not enough being created at times.

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Watford Willie says...
12:06am Wed 7 Nov 12

Many good posts, apart from Buckler re Ekstrand. Think we will see Hey Ho and Vydra start at Leeds. Chalobah rested too. My MOM Young Tommy H. Abdi as usual efficient and best shot of the night. Loving the football played could've move it quicker at times but yes Millwall were happy with recent points tally and played for the draw.

This league is tighter than ever. If we can get everyone fit and get some of the luck owed we will be in top six by xmas and with our settled squad we can push on in Jan, then the world is our Lobster Rodney!

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Sammy Chung says...
12:15am Wed 7 Nov 12

Deeney has the turning circle of the Ark Royal and was outpaced in one instance by Shittu. Vydra needs to start along with Forestieri if we want to threaten. Deeney needs to lose some of his excess keel !!

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1982WFC says...
12:28am Wed 7 Nov 12

I think we can take it as a compliment that a Millwall team that has been scoring for fun lately came to park the bus, Fordes antics with his goal kicks was the perfect example, although I must say they were very well organised.
Our passing game just seemed to miss that zip in their 3rd of the pitch & there were quite a few misplaced passes in the middle, but on the plus side for the second game in a row never really looked like conceding. Was anyone else willing Anya to have a go at their backline late on? the couple of times he did he looked really dangerous but more often than not was looking to offload the ball short. I'm not too downbeat but can't help but think that these are the games we really should be winning if we want to hit that top 6.

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WessexLad says...
12:35am Wed 7 Nov 12

We were so much more threatening when Anya replaced Cassetti. He didn't do a bad job in defence either.

Geijo needs more game time, and this would have been a good opportunity, with his height against Shittu's bulk. I think he would have fared better than Deeney.

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DunstableHornet58 says...
7:16am Wed 7 Nov 12

A difficult game against a well organised Millwall team. It was a shame Vydra did not come on earlier as he injected more pace upfront. A good first game for Ekstrand.

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endean2 says...
7:54am Wed 7 Nov 12

question, do we currently have 20-25
striker within our ranks?

meaning a Murray, Austin or a Graham style of payer, a natural finisher.

NO way, we have some great new players who play a attractive style of football, pleasing to the eye but no finishing game.

So lets go and get a new forward who has those qualities, otherwse it will just be false promises and lots of FLUFF on show.

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Watfordwes says...
7:55am Wed 7 Nov 12

Ekstrand was better second half but poor first half. Fairly obvious why as Henderson went off.

He may be able to challenge neuton, Hoban, and Lloyd for the wider centre half births but the central centre half must be more of a presence and able to head the ball.

Getting and keeping hall fit is imperitive I feel.

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CARDIFFHORN says...
8:39am Wed 7 Nov 12

B4 the weekend I would have taken the 4 points from the 2 games, though I did expect the results the other way round. As for Millwall form is temporary CLASS is permanent we will finish higher than them for sure.

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Bush Hornet says...
8:45am Wed 7 Nov 12

CARDIFFHORN wrote:
B4 the weekend I would have taken the 4 points from the 2 games, though I did expect the results the other way round. As for Millwall form is temporary CLASS is permanent we will finish higher than them for sure.
Spot on, and boy did we outclass them.

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francowatford says...
8:57am Wed 7 Nov 12

Against Leeds we should play Vedra and Geijo up front, Anya right wing as we were seriously lacking any sort of threat down the right. Then we bring on FF and Troy. Vedra is so much better that Troy but Troy should not be dismissed.

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jasonwatford says...
8:59am Wed 7 Nov 12

Ekstrand was poor ??? Winner of numpty of the blog - Buckler !!! The lad played really well. Deeney needs to be rested and vydra let loose....Geijo needs a run of 4 plus games and Fernando needs to be pushed wide.

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francowatford says...
9:04am Wed 7 Nov 12

Bush Hornet wrote:
LD right they parked the bus. Hence Buckler's icon? I thought Ekstrand got better as game wore on. MOM Doyley? Thought he was awesome in his limited way. Apparently Murray is really unhappy at Watford at the mo and wants to go on loan to Burnley. I say let him go and get some sharpness back
What grape vine did you hear about Murray?

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Alexander Hilcroft says...
9:07am Wed 7 Nov 12

Now that Doyley has proved his value to yet another Watford manager I hope all those who have questioned his contribution down the years now accept that they know nothing about football

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mkhornet says...
9:08am Wed 7 Nov 12

Thought that Ekstrand looked excellent in the 2nd half when he'd got used to the pace of the game. Geijo looked rusty and only time on the pitch will sort that out. Looked much more threatening when Anya came on as we then had some pace. Thought Abdi was our best player. Need to rest a few players on Saturday to re-charge their batteries (ie.Cassetti, Doyley, Challobah, Forrestieri, and Deeney. If fit bring Hall back in, start with Anya, Vydra, and Geijo and maybe give Murray a chance.

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Mr.Miggins says...
9:10am Wed 7 Nov 12

The formation we are playing is too defensive against lesser teams who come and sit, looking to nick a goal. Too often in the final third the only option is through the middle. We need a different plan at times when teams come and do that to us.

Thought Ekstrand did well considering he's played very little football and he won't come up against a more physical and aggressive front line than Wood and Hendo. Looked better defensively than Neuton.

We need to a formation that gives us more attacking threat now that the defence looks stronger. Start Vydra out on one side, FF on the other, and Geijo/Troy through the middle as a front 3.

And must say Anya down the right side is not the answer, he looks pony

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Letsalldothecongaforbrittassombalonga says...
9:33am Wed 7 Nov 12

endean2 wrote:
question, do we currently have 20-25 striker within our ranks? meaning a Murray, Austin or a Graham style of payer, a natural finisher. NO way, we have some great new players who play a attractive style of football, pleasing to the eye but no finishing game. So lets go and get a new forward who has those qualities, otherwse it will just be false promises and lots of FLUFF on show.
Completely agree with you Endean. We lack a goal scorer and this is something that must be addressed in January.
For our top scorer to be on 5 goals, 17 games (all comps.) into the season is not going to get us a playoff place.
Someone with the ability to finish the chances we create would be the difference between a good season and a great one. Answers on a postcard please!

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KeithMercer says...
9:38am Wed 7 Nov 12

Disappointing last night ! felt we paid them too much respect and never really got at them for sustained periods.
Dont like to focus on the negatives so will stick to the few pozzotives.
Hoban/Ekstrand/(sorr
y Bucks but you wrong on that one)/Doyley and Vydra when he came on.
Hey lets get a result at dirty Leeds on saturday and we can put this one behind us !! And there are some extra brownie points on offer to anyone who takes out the sewar rat Diouff .
ps thats for our players not supporters !! just incase the Wobbly gets the wrong idea .

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WFC4ever says...
9:45am Wed 7 Nov 12

I agree players looked tired but then Leeds isn't the place to go and play a weaken side...

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Bush Hornet says...
9:49am Wed 7 Nov 12

francowatford wrote:
Bush Hornet wrote:
LD right they parked the bus. Hence Buckler's icon? I thought Ekstrand got better as game wore on. MOM Doyley? Thought he was awesome in his limited way. Apparently Murray is really unhappy at Watford at the mo and wants to go on loan to Burnley. I say let him go and get some sharpness back
What grape vine did you hear about Murray?
Bloke behind me in the rookery said he knew the family.

Personally I think a cuddle and a kick up the jacksy from Dyche would do him good then send him back for us ready to fight for his place

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Bush Hornet says...
10:04am Wed 7 Nov 12

Alexander Hilcroft wrote:
Now that Doyley has proved his value to yet another Watford manager I hope all those who have questioned his contribution down the years now accept that they know nothing about football
Doyley is a legend for sure, he seems so adaptable. But few team mates seem to trust him with the ball. Only Anya, who seems scared of taking on players, gave Lloyd the ball

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Dr,Oftaw says...
10:09am Wed 7 Nov 12

Bush Hornet wrote:
francowatford wrote:
Bush Hornet wrote: LD right they parked the bus. Hence Buckler's icon? I thought Ekstrand got better as game wore on. MOM Doyley? Thought he was awesome in his limited way. Apparently Murray is really unhappy at Watford at the mo and wants to go on loan to Burnley. I say let him go and get some sharpness back
What grape vine did you hear about Murray?
Bloke behind me in the rookery said he knew the family. Personally I think a cuddle and a kick up the jacksy from Dyche would do him good then send him back for us ready to fight for his place
prima donna, who is he to throw his dummy out of the pram, needs to stop crying knuckle down and fight for a place
but somehow i don`t think he will, overated and overweight.

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JohnnyHornet says...
10:20am Wed 7 Nov 12

Bush Hornet wrote:
LD right they parked the bus. Hence Buckler's icon? I thought Ekstrand got better as game wore on. MOM Doyley? Thought he was awesome in his limited way. Apparently Murray is really unhappy at Watford at the mo and wants to go on loan to Burnley. I say let him go and get some sharpness back
And lose some of that weight.

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londomollari says...
10:26am Wed 7 Nov 12

Murray at Burnley with Dyche, who knows everything about the lad? Could be ideal!
Once again the lack of a forward capable of scoring, and creating, basic chances was shown last night. Like 'em or loath 'em, a 'Doris', marlon King or similar in this side would see this team in the top six.
I was critical of this team defensively, but they are now looking good---thought Ekstrand looked better than Neuton defensively, once he settled---a first half against Doris is a tough introduction when you have not played much.

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Richard - Come On You Golden Boys! says...
10:46am Wed 7 Nov 12

Decent performance but very frustrating evening, we just lacked the necessary composure & a bit of luck in front of goal. The 3-5-2 formation makes us look solid at the back but means you cannot play Deeney, Foresteiri & Vydra up front together, although could maybe play Foresteiri just behind the front two??

Thought Adbi was M.O.M. but Hogg looked a little jaded. A few changes on the cards and it wouldn't surprise me if we won at dirty Leeds on Sat.

Come on You Golden Boys!

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Richard - Come On You Golden Boys! says...
10:47am Wed 7 Nov 12

Decent performance but very frustrating evening, we just lacked the necessary composure & a bit of luck in front of goal. The 3-5-2 formation makes us look solid at the back but means you cannot play Deeney, Foresteiri & Vydra up front together, although could maybe play Foresteiri just behind the front two??

Thought Adbi was M.O.M. but Hogg looked a little jaded. A few changes on the cards and it wouldn't surprise me if we won at dirty Leeds on Sat.

Come on You Golden Boys!

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Richard - Come On You Golden Boys! says...
10:47am Wed 7 Nov 12

Decent performance but very frustrating evening, we just lacked the necessary composure & a bit of luck in front of goal. The 3-5-2 formation makes us look solid at the back but means you cannot play Deeney, Foresteiri & Vydra up front together, although could maybe play Foresteiri just behind the front two??

Thought Adbi was M.O.M. but Hogg looked a little jaded. A few changes on the cards and it wouldn't surprise me if we won at dirty Leeds on Sat.

Come on You Golden Boys!

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LoveKeithDublin says...
11:25am Wed 7 Nov 12

I'm not sure I agree with posters who say our main problem is lacking a real goalscorer - I think even a proven championship 20 goal a season man would struggle alone up front in this current formation. No matter how talented Abdi and Fostieri are, it's very hard for them to create anything going forward when all then have ahead of them is one striker being tracked by several defenders.

Also I don't think we can write off Geijo as being a goalscorer at this level yet - I heard he was great at Cardiff so it was a shame to see him dropped since for Deeney (I think Deeney looks better as an impact sub currently).

And I'm amazed that Zola doesn't start Vydra - a few goals already this season, including two finishes (Palace away and Bristol City at home) that showed more quality that current folkhero Deeney has showed in his whole Watford career!

I think Abdi would pick apart defences if he had two front running strikers to aim for. Delighted to hear he's happy in Watford Holly68, he's a cracking player.

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DuffmanWFC says...
11:53am Wed 7 Nov 12

For me Vydra has to start! he's got pace, skill and can finish!
I still think Deeney is an impact player and can be best used to come on later in the game!
The only way Geijo is going to improve is if he gets game time!
Surely our best side when fit if playing 3-5-2 would be: Almunia, Hoban, Hall, Ekstrand, Abdi, Hogg, Forestieri, Eustace, Vydra, Murray, Geijo!
Subs: Bond, Doyley or Cassetti, Deeney, Bauban, Mungi Bai, Yeates or Battochino, Neuton!
This way you have a solid 3 centre backs with a bank of 3 solid midfielders in Abdi, Hogg and Eustace and width with Murray and Forestieri along with front two of Geijo and Vydra!

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Holly68 says...
1:06pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Strange thought, but actually Iwelumo and Vydra on for last 20 would've paid dividends. Big Chris would've caused problems to Walls Giants at the back.

Murray own worst enemy, rumour has it he went to Ayia Napa during recent international break and went on booze again ! He badly needs to focus and leave party life alone Alledgedly

Zola had said that whilst he will thin squad in Jan, he may look to bring in one or two in areas of need.

Back up goalie, midfield and goalscorer maybe ?

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Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
1:30pm Wed 7 Nov 12

DuffmanWFC wrote:
For me Vydra has to start! he's got pace, skill and can finish!
I still think Deeney is an impact player and can be best used to come on later in the game!
The only way Geijo is going to improve is if he gets game time!
Surely our best side when fit if playing 3-5-2 would be: Almunia, Hoban, Hall, Ekstrand, Abdi, Hogg, Forestieri, Eustace, Vydra, Murray, Geijo!
Subs: Bond, Doyley or Cassetti, Deeney, Bauban, Mungi Bai, Yeates or Battochino, Neuton!
This way you have a solid 3 centre backs with a bank of 3 solid midfielders in Abdi, Hogg and Eustace and width with Murray and Forestieri along with front two of Geijo and Vydra!
love to be able to play all that attacking talent but where are the wing-backs who can tackle and handle a pacy winger ?!!

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Smilingburkinshaw says...
1:32pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Deeney makes the ball stick up front, his hold up play is very good and he unsettles defenders. This goes unnoticed to some I think. If you had Geijo/Vydra up front with FF i think you would find the ball wouldnt stick up front as well and that means the ball coming back quicker. Deeney holds it up and brings others into play. I'm telling you, that would be missed if he was dropped!

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Chris the Vic says...
1:49pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Thought the game disappointed.

The Millwall defence won virtually everything in the air , predictably. Deeney had little chance with the high balls and his movement lacked vision for ball to foot..

lots of pretty football, no goal threat to back up so much possession and no Plan B.

Shame because there is a lot of good football played.

Thought in the last few minutes when Deeney tried to play ball with Shittu's arms wrapped round him in the box and in full view of the ref we should have got the penalty Troy appealed for.

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francowatford says...
1:57pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Dr,Oftaw wrote:
Bush Hornet wrote:
francowatford wrote:
Bush Hornet wrote: LD right they parked the bus. Hence Buckler's icon? I thought Ekstrand got better as game wore on. MOM Doyley? Thought he was awesome in his limited way. Apparently Murray is really unhappy at Watford at the mo and wants to go on loan to Burnley. I say let him go and get some sharpness back
What grape vine did you hear about Murray?
Bloke behind me in the rookery said he knew the family. Personally I think a cuddle and a kick up the jacksy from Dyche would do him good then send him back for us ready to fight for his place
prima donna, who is he to throw his dummy out of the pram, needs to stop crying knuckle down and fight for a place but somehow i don`t think he will, overated and overweight.
how can he go from first team player, fans favourtie and we how chant his name too almost dissapearing from the club. Something can not be right be hind the sceens in the club. He signed his long term deal and then bosh! gone! Someone one must know excatlly what is going on, maybe wfc can make some comment. Given if its long term injury

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SAHornet says...
2:19pm Wed 7 Nov 12

francowatford wrote:
Dr,Oftaw wrote:
Bush Hornet wrote:
francowatford wrote:
Bush Hornet wrote: LD right they parked the bus. Hence Buckler's icon? I thought Ekstrand got better as game wore on. MOM Doyley? Thought he was awesome in his limited way. Apparently Murray is really unhappy at Watford at the mo and wants to go on loan to Burnley. I say let him go and get some sharpness back
What grape vine did you hear about Murray?
Bloke behind me in the rookery said he knew the family. Personally I think a cuddle and a kick up the jacksy from Dyche would do him good then send him back for us ready to fight for his place
prima donna, who is he to throw his dummy out of the pram, needs to stop crying knuckle down and fight for a place but somehow i don`t think he will, overated and overweight.
how can he go from first team player, fans favourtie and we how chant his name too almost dissapearing from the club. Something can not be right be hind the sceens in the club. He signed his long term deal and then bosh! gone! Someone one must know excatlly what is going on, maybe wfc can make some comment. Given if its long term injury
...but if you recall when the players returned from their holidays, fans were outraged that he came back so fat but said "not to worry, he'll lose it in training within a couple of weeks", but he didn't. He's only a youngster so who the hell is responsible for him? Whoever it is should be ashamed, as should he. Just not acceptable for a professional footballer to come back so grossly unfit. Needs taking in hand NOW imo.

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DuffmanWFC says...
3:06pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
1:30pm Wed 7 Nov 12

DuffmanWFC wrote:
For me Vydra has to start! he's got pace, skill and can finish!
I still think Deeney is an impact player and can be best used to come on later in the game!
The only way Geijo is going to improve is if he gets game time!
Surely our best side when fit if playing 3-5-2 would be: Almunia, Hoban, Hall, Ekstrand, Abdi, Hogg, Forestieri, Eustace, Vydra, Murray, Geijo!
Subs: Bond, Doyley or Cassetti, Deeney, Bauban, Mungi Bai, Yeates or Battochino, Neuton!
This way you have a solid 3 centre backs with a bank of 3 solid midfielders in Abdi, Hogg and Eustace and width with Murray and Forestieri along with front two of Geijo and Vydra!
love to be able to play all that attacking talent but where are the wing-backs who can tackle and handle a pacy winger ?!!



You won't need "Wing Backs" they are a waste of time! If you have Eustace and Hogg that hold in the centre or drop back into defence when we are under pressure you then have 5 strong defensive players... You then get the ball wide when you re-win possession and the two holding midfielders return to the middle of the park to allow Abdi space to open up a forwarding attack through Vydra/Murray/Foresti
eri/Geijo!
All this talk of wing backs stops us from being an attacking force!
Last night was an example of that as in Midfield we needed another option!

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lutondown says...
3:12pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Not much to add other than if last nights performance is deemed as poor then it goes to show the rate we are progressing.
I'm glad we are getting it right defensively. We need a playmaker at midfield. Is that man Eustace? I'm not sure, he'll have to stop them up and unders if that's the case.
I think playing weekly is too much for Chabolah, he's only 17 after all!

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Alexander Hilcroft says...
3:34pm Wed 7 Nov 12

lutondown wrote:
Not much to add other than if last nights performance is deemed as poor then it goes to show the rate we are progressing.
I'm glad we are getting it right defensively. We need a playmaker at midfield. Is that man Eustace? I'm not sure, he'll have to stop them up and unders if that's the case.
I think playing weekly is too much for Chabolah, he's only 17 after all!
Agree Chalobah looks like he needs a breather - he's not been at his best last two games. But what a joy he's been to watch until now and will be again once he's recharged his batteries.

Interesting to hear rumours about Murray living up to the drunken paddy stereotype. What a shame if he goes off the rails - perhaps a few weeks spent with Dyche growling at him would do him good.

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buckler says...
6:30pm Wed 7 Nov 12

jasonwatford wrote:
Ekstrand was poor ??? Winner of numpty of the blog - Buckler !!! The lad played really well. Deeney needs to be rested and vydra let loose....Geijo needs a run of 4 plus games and Fernando needs to be pushed wide.
Sorry didn't really want to agree with everyone whilst back slapping! I also didn't realise you we're a defence expert! Bring back Loach ..

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lutondown says...
6:35pm Wed 7 Nov 12

buckler wrote:
jasonwatford wrote:
Ekstrand was poor ??? Winner of numpty of the blog - Buckler !!! The lad played really well. Deeney needs to be rested and vydra let loose....Geijo needs a run of 4 plus games and Fernando needs to be pushed wide.
Sorry didn't really want to agree with everyone whilst back slapping! I also didn't realise you we're a defence expert! Bring back Loach ..
Having been in the pub with Jason, he is a defence expert. He defends his wallet from seeing daylight. Talk about short arms and long pockets!
I agree, bring back Loach, Boothroyd, Homer, Bas... got to be better than this....

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buckler says...
7:25pm Wed 7 Nov 12

We need Ellington back to score some goals, Tractor boys want rid!

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CARDIFFHORN says...
8:00pm Wed 7 Nov 12

DuffmanWFC wrote:
Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
1:30pm Wed 7 Nov 12

DuffmanWFC wrote:
For me Vydra has to start! he's got pace, skill and can finish!
I still think Deeney is an impact player and can be best used to come on later in the game!
The only way Geijo is going to improve is if he gets game time!
Surely our best side when fit if playing 3-5-2 would be: Almunia, Hoban, Hall, Ekstrand, Abdi, Hogg, Forestieri, Eustace, Vydra, Murray, Geijo!
Subs: Bond, Doyley or Cassetti, Deeney, Bauban, Mungi Bai, Yeates or Battochino, Neuton!
This way you have a solid 3 centre backs with a bank of 3 solid midfielders in Abdi, Hogg and Eustace and width with Murray and Forestieri along with front two of Geijo and Vydra!
love to be able to play all that attacking talent but where are the wing-backs who can tackle and handle a pacy winger ?!!



You won't need "Wing Backs" they are a waste of time! If you have Eustace and Hogg that hold in the centre or drop back into defence when we are under pressure you then have 5 strong defensive players... You then get the ball wide when you re-win possession and the two holding midfielders return to the middle of the park to allow Abdi space to open up a forwarding attack through Vydra/Murray/Foresti

eri/Geijo!
All this talk of wing backs stops us from being an attacking force!
Last night was an example of that as in Midfield we needed another option!
A 3-5-2 formation is focused around wing backs and is both defensive and attacking when played with the correct players!!

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lutondown says...
8:06pm Wed 7 Nov 12

buckler wrote:
We need Ellington back to score some goals, Tractor boys want rid!
and don't forget Dicko. Better than Fitz Hall

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