Vydra's rapid-fire double helps Hornets end year on a high (From Watford Observer)
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Matej Vydra scores twice as Watford win at Brighton & Hove Albion
7:20pm Saturday 29th December 2012 in Watford FC News By Anthony Matthews, Group Sports Editor
Watford showed why 2013 is a year to look forward to with growing optimism after a devastating three-minute second-half spell saw them win away again by inflicting a 3-1 defeat on Brighton & Hove Albion in front of the live TV cameras.
Troy Deeney fired the Hornets into the lead nine minutes after the restart but the Seagulls were back on terms ten minutes later when David Lopez equalised with a spot-kick after Tommie Hoban had conceded a penalty.
That setback might have knocked some teams out of their stride, particularly away from home, but not the Hornets – and especially Matej Vydra.
The on-song striker put his side back in front with a deflected shot before, within, three minutes scorching clear from halfway to dispatch what is fast becoming a trademark one-versus-one finish.
Neither side had been able to make the breakthrough in the first half but Watford had the better of the chances. Daniel Pudil should have hit the target with a free header early on and at the end of the half only an excellent save from former Hornet Tomasz Kuszczak prevented Vydra from opening the scoring.
Gianfranco Zola named the same side that was due to start against Bristol City on Boxing Day before the torrential rain decided otherwise, meaning Ikechi Anya replaced the suspended Marco Cassetti. Fernando Forestieri was fit to take his place among the substitutes and Jonathan Bond also returned.
Like their opponents, Brighton’s last scheduled game was postponed – a trip to Blackburn Rovers – but Gus Poyet made three changes to the side that was last in action when they drew 2-2 at home to Millwall.
The big news from the Hornets’ perspective was that former winger Will Buckley was ruled out through injury, while Lewis Dunk and Dean Hammond dropped to the bench. Their places were taken by Bruno Saltor and Andrea Orlandi, who were both back from injury, and Kazenga LuaLua was promoted from among the substitutes. Former Vicarage Road loanees Kusczak and Liam Bridcutt both started, alongside Watford-born Craig Mackail-Smith, and Will Hoskins was on the bench.
Both sides began with some good spells of possession on a pitch slickened up by a pre-match downpour but it was the hosts who had the first strike on goal in the sixth minute when Orlandi tested Manuel Almunia with a left-footed shot from 20 yards.
Within a minute though, the Hornets had spurned a fine chance to take the lead when an Almen Abdi corner from the right presented Pudil with a free header but he missed the target.
The quality of the opportunity wasn’t quite as good a couple of minutes later, but Andrew Crofts should have at least hit the target when he was picked out on the edge of the area by LuaLua’s pull back from the left, but he lifted his right-footed shot over the bar.
The game then went into a slight lull after an entertaining opening but Almunia had to be alert in the 18th minute to deal with a stinging right-footed drive from LuaLua from just outside the area.
The hosts were then awarded the first free-kick of the evening which Orlandi curled left-footed wide of Almunia’s right-hand post from 25 yards, with the Hornets keeper keeping a watchful eye on the ball as it went behind.
Adam El-Abd could have no complaints at picking up the game’s first yellow card in the 23rd minute after ending a surging run from Vydra by pulling his shirt. This gave Abdi a good free-kick opportunity on the edge of the area but his set piece struck the wall.
Soon after, Kuszczak saved a low side-footed shot from Jonathan Hogg after he had been fed by Nathaniel Chalobah, who thought he had been fouled in the area, and then the Seagulls stopper wasn’t overly troubled by a Deeney header from an Anya cross from the right.
The card count was levelled up in the 29th minute when Anya was cautioned following a foul on LuaLua but the Hornets enjoyed a good spell a few minutes later, winning three corners in succession, the third of which led to Abdi trying to catch Kuszczak out at his near post but the Pole saved easily enough.
The Brighton keeper was also not unduly extended either by an Abdi free-kick in the 38th minute after Chalobah had been fouled outside the area before a wild Vydra shot ended up going out for a throw after Anya had threatened down the right.
The Hornets suffered a blow though, three minutes before the break when Fitz Hall, who had been in commanding form at the heart of the defence, suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury and was replaced by Neuton.
The visitors then needed Pudil to make a vital clearance at the back post as Lopez was lurking to convert a low centre from the left, but it was Watford who had two excellent opportunities to take lead in first-half injury-time.
First Kuszczak made a fine diving save to his left to keep out a firmly struck left-footed shot from Vydra after he had been set free in the area by a lovely Chalobah back heel and then Deeney failed to make sufficient contact on a fine headed chance following Abdi’s ball in from the right.
The second period started with Brighton having most of the possession but with their first attack after the restart Watford took the lead in the 54th minute.
The move originated from a free-kick in their own half which was received by Pudil, who attacked as Vydra steamed past him to add further attacking impetus. This also took a defender away as the ball was slipped to Deeney, who took one touch before striking a right-footed shot past Kuszczak to join Vydra on ten goals for the campaign.
The Seagulls had an opportunity to equalise almost immediately when a free-kick found the largely unmarked El-Abd, but his header was straight at Almunia.
Poyet decided to make his first change in the 59th minute, bringing on Ashley Barnes for Orlandi, but within five minutes Brighton were level – and it was a goal virtually all of the visitors’ making.
Almunia came to gather a ball and seemed to have it within his grasp, only for it to squirm free, and then Hoban bundled into LuaLua, who didn’t need a second invitation to go down, but referee Oliver Langford duly pointed to the spot and Lopez hit the ball high to the keeper’s right to make it 1-1.
Having been pegged back though, what followed was quite superb as Watford took a stranglehold on the game within the space of five minutes.
The first had an element of good fortune as Vydra hit a right-footed shot that caught a Brighton player’s leg and sent it looping over Kuszczak to make it 2-1 in the 67th minute. However, the home side's defenders were also at fault as they backed off, inviting the Czech striker to chance his arm from outside the area
But there was nothing lucky about the Hornets’ third as Vydra showed stunning acceleration to race on to a perfectly-weighted Deeney pass from halfway and then showed the superb composure that is now almost expected in one-on-one situations as he steered the ball wide of Kuszczak to give his side a two-goal cushion.
Both sided then made changes, with Geoffrey Mujangi Bia replacing Anya and Poyet bringing on Hoskins and Stephen Dobbie for Crofts and Orlandi.
Cristian Battocchio also came on for Abdi with ten minutes remaining before Almunia was called on to make a good save to keep out as Bruno strike from close range.
Apart from a late yellow card for Bia though, Watford safely saw out the remainder of the game to pick up another three points on their travels, making it five unbeaten on the road and picking up 11 points and scoring 16 goals in the process.
Brighton & Hove Albion: Kuszczak; Bruno, Greer, El-Abd, Bridge; Bridcutt; Crofts (Hoskins 73), Orlandi (Barnes 59); Lopez (Dobbie 73), Mackail-Smith, LuaLua. Not used: Brezovan, Hammond, Dunk and Dicker.
Watford: Almunia; Hoban, Hall (Neuton 42), Ekstrand; Anya (Bia 73), Abdi (Battocchio 80), Chalobah, Hogg, Pudil; Deeney, Vydra. Not used: Yeates, Bond, Geijo and Forestieri.
Bookings: El-Abd for a foul on Vydra (23); Abdi for a foul on LuaLua (29); Bia for a foul on LuaLua (89).
Attendance: 26,727.
Referee: Oliver Langford.
Comments(87)
Bush Hornet
says...
7:33pm Sat 29 Dec 12
The Not-so-enlightened one
says...
7:35pm Sat 29 Dec 12
MUSTOITALIA
says...
7:39pm Sat 29 Dec 12
Mohandas
says...
7:46pm Sat 29 Dec 12
WessexLad
says...
7:49pm Sat 29 Dec 12
Onwards and upwards - COYH!
Hornet1970
says...
7:50pm Sat 29 Dec 12
Bring on city, its going to be a great day :-)
Vdra's pace = amazing
YoKsHiRe.....HoRn!!!!!!!
says...
7:50pm Sat 29 Dec 12
Derry Beckham
says...
7:51pm Sat 29 Dec 12
paultheshrink
says...
7:54pm Sat 29 Dec 12
MUSTOITALIA
says...
8:01pm Sat 29 Dec 12
paultheshrink wrote:I agree with you sir at first I though it might just be a run of luck but the way we started winning and the goals we were scoring proved me wrong. The way we keep hold of the ball and spray passes about is great . My only previous concern was us dropping off in the 2nd half of the game but today we just pushed our foot down harder. We was without cassetti today and a couple other good players you wouldn't have thought so !
A win that surely confirms our credentials as serious promotion candidates. I allways feel that how you respond after a good run comes to an end is the sign of the quality in a side, so following the defeat to Hull (which doesn't look such a bad result now), a draw and two wins shows we have character and class, and are not just a team steaming along on confidence alone.
MUSTOITALIA
says...
8:03pm Sat 29 Dec 12
YoKsHiRe.....HoRn!!!!!!!
says...
8:09pm Sat 29 Dec 12
MUSTOITALIA wrote:I thought the only player that looked out of place with the set up was Anya! So a right sided midfielder or attacking winger and back up goal keeper is probably all that's needed. If Chelsea didn't extend the loan of NC then cover for him might be needed! I don't think any extra centre forwards are needed providing we don't have any serious injuries in the next few weeks!
If we was to sign another couple of players where do you guys think we should strengthen ? I think cover For almunia and a holding midfielder what do you think ?
J.A.A.
says...
8:12pm Sat 29 Dec 12
mattymashup
says...
8:22pm Sat 29 Dec 12
Before u moan I have seen a lot of Hogg, he can tackle. But passing and especially shooting isn't good enough, vydra and deeney were class, hope we can hold onto chalobah.
Great to see sky sports licking our ****!
We are going up!
AngelHornet
says...
8:28pm Sat 29 Dec 12
chrisptrifle wrote:Do you mean Hall and not Chalobah?
Have to say - great performance away from home. Amazing pace for the 3rd goal as well - quality ! To be fair we looked pretty good all over although Hoban still has a bit to learn ;) Hope Chalobah is OK and he hasnt done his hamstring strain...
MUSTOITALIA
says...
8:31pm Sat 29 Dec 12
YoKsHiRe.....HoRn!!!Totally agree it will be interesting to see the line up when we sign Vydra and co as it will allow us to use more loan players. At the moment were limited to 6 loan players in the atarting 11 and vydra and co are included in that but if they become permenante in jan we can use other loan players ?
!!!! wrote:
MUSTOITALIA wrote:I thought the only player that looked out of place with the set up was Anya! So a right sided midfielder or attacking winger and back up goal keeper is probably all that's needed. If Chelsea didn't extend the loan of NC then cover for him might be needed! I don't think any extra centre forwards are needed providing we don't have any serious injuries in the next few weeks!
If we was to sign another couple of players where do you guys think we should strengthen ? I think cover For almunia and a holding midfielder what do you think ?
Colin West's mullet
says...
8:37pm Sat 29 Dec 12
CARDIFFHORN
says...
8:43pm Sat 29 Dec 12
CARDIFFHORN
says...
8:49pm Sat 29 Dec 12
SAHornet
says...
8:59pm Sat 29 Dec 12
AngelHornet wrote:Think that Chalobah was injured right at the end - that's what he meant.
chrisptrifle wrote:Do you mean Hall and not Chalobah?
Have to say - great performance away from home. Amazing pace for the 3rd goal as well - quality ! To be fair we looked pretty good all over although Hoban still has a bit to learn ;) Hope Chalobah is OK and he hasnt done his hamstring strain...
Game was shown live here in SA so this was the first time I have had a chance to see the GB's. OMG, I can't believe I watching a Watford side. What football ! Slick, one touch passing and the speed of Vydra took my breath away. Myu missus had to keep yelling at me to shut the f*c* up. Hahahaha
Slight negatives were that I don't really think it was a pen. LuaLua went down far too easily and also that Anya looks tasty until he gets confronted and then turns back nearly all the time. Lack of confidence or does he lack that final drive for the cross ?
exeterhornet
says...
9:11pm Sat 29 Dec 12
If we believe in ourselves, I honestly think we will give the Mancs a bloody good run for the money. Dreamland!
DuffmanWFC
says...
9:38pm Sat 29 Dec 12
Those who moaned about the owners and the loans at the start of the season are proved to know nothing!
When Vydra, Ekstrand, Abdi, Forestieri and Pudil sign permenantly in January that will be amaizing!
I still think Beleck and Anya don't really have much to offer and may go back to there clubs as I believe we may have better options available to us in Geijo, Eustace and Bauban.
I think a right sided midfielder and a good goalie is what Zola may look at and again they could be loanees?
With the above five players signing permanently we will see more of Franchone, Bottacchino, Forestieri and Neuton due to the max of loans that can play at any one time!
Depending on whether we do get promotion this season and depending on performances by the following players: Geijo, Neuton, Bottacchino and Franchone will depend whether they get signed at the end of the season.
Anyway whatever happens it will be exciting from now till May and its just the start of a new, exciting era!
Come On You Orns!
WessexLad
says...
9:46pm Sat 29 Dec 12
When I bought it, I hoped that my OAP early bird season ticket would be good value for money, although at that time it was a pig in a poke. Thanks WFC!
Watfordfc1
says...
9:56pm Sat 29 Dec 12
Abbots hornet
says...
9:57pm Sat 29 Dec 12
tomgeehornets
says...
10:06pm Sat 29 Dec 12
MUSTOITALIA wrote:Wrong! we can use upto 6 players on loan from british clubs! which is only chalobah. We can play as many of the foreign loan signings as we want. However, i think there has to be at least 6 home grown players in the 18 man squad.
YoKsHiRe.....HoRn!!!Totally agree it will be interesting to see the line up when we sign Vydra and co as it will allow us to use more loan players. At the moment were limited to 6 loan players in the atarting 11 and vydra and co are included in that but if they become permenante in jan we can use other loan players ?
!!!! wrote:
MUSTOITALIA wrote:I thought the only player that looked out of place with the set up was Anya! So a right sided midfielder or attacking winger and back up goal keeper is probably all that's needed. If Chelsea didn't extend the loan of NC then cover for him might be needed! I don't think any extra centre forwards are needed providing we don't have any serious injuries in the next few weeks!
If we was to sign another couple of players where do you guys think we should strengthen ? I think cover For almunia and a holding midfielder what do you think ?
hemelhorn87
says...
10:07pm Sat 29 Dec 12
chrisptrifle wrote:Hoban has a bit to learn, I sincerely hope you're joking. He's was faultless today as he has been every week! The penalty was completely almunias fault and an unfortunate trip that could happen to anyone. Vydra and deeney were once again excellent. A top, top result!
Have to say - great performance away from home. Amazing pace for the 3rd goal as well - quality ! To be fair we looked pretty good all over although Hoban still has a bit to learn ;) Hope Chalobah is OK and he hasnt done his hamstring strain...
grahamwfc
says...
10:08pm Sat 29 Dec 12
DuffmanWFC wrote:I was under the impression that overseas loan players count as "transferred" players & we can have and play as many as we want - this is what is rankling with a few clubs.
Great win today whilst playing some great one touch football, I've always said that we will be at our strongest from November and so it is starting to show!
Those who moaned about the owners and the loans at the start of the season are proved to know nothing!
When Vydra, Ekstrand, Abdi, Forestieri and Pudil sign permenantly in January that will be amaizing!
I still think Beleck and Anya don't really have much to offer and may go back to there clubs as I believe we may have better options available to us in Geijo, Eustace and Bauban.
I think a right sided midfielder and a good goalie is what Zola may look at and again they could be loanees?
With the above five players signing permanently we will see more of Franchone, Bottacchino, Forestieri and Neuton due to the max of loans that can play at any one time!
Depending on whether we do get promotion this season and depending on performances by the following players: Geijo, Neuton, Bottacchino and Franchone will depend whether they get signed at the end of the season.
Anyway whatever happens it will be exciting from now till May and its just the start of a new, exciting era!
Come On You Orns!
I agree Keeper cover, Kieran Westwood would be good, Eustace in for Hogg - lots of energy but poor passer & will never score.
Anya offered nothing today - Need Lloyd back to cover for Marco.
what is the issue with Murray - can he just not be accommodated - I can see Dyche sniffing around.
No reason for Chelsea wanting NC back but Battachio could slot in there if needs be.
Hope One_size is OK would be a big miss.
Vydra awesome & Deeney could be next Grant Holt - improving every game
@ChrisBottom16
says...
10:47pm Sat 29 Dec 12
MUSTOITALIA wrote:Not true. The loan players do not count as loans because they are over seas loans. they are classed as oversea transfers. we could have a team of all loan players an its in the ruls. the only loan is chalobah
YoKsHiRe.....HoRn!!!Totally agree it will be interesting to see the line up when we sign Vydra and co as it will allow us to use more loan players. At the moment were limited to 6 loan players in the atarting 11 and vydra and co are included in that but if they become permenante in jan we can use other loan players ?
!!!! wrote:
MUSTOITALIA wrote:I thought the only player that looked out of place with the set up was Anya! So a right sided midfielder or attacking winger and back up goal keeper is probably all that's needed. If Chelsea didn't extend the loan of NC then cover for him might be needed! I don't think any extra centre forwards are needed providing we don't have any serious injuries in the next few weeks!
If we was to sign another couple of players where do you guys think we should strengthen ? I think cover For almunia and a holding midfielder what do you think ?
D.unstable
says...
10:48pm Sat 29 Dec 12
Great to see all starting to believe and even a few new names on here!!!
If results go for us we could be in a position to overtake Middlesborough in a couple of weeks.
SA great that you have been able to see us this season, to be fair some great stuff today, some good flowing passes at times but I don't think the conditions did us any favours in particular the first half.
Get these regular starters signed up come Tuesday morning and then take a look at what we need to push on second half.
I hope Hall won't be out for too long as he has be awsome over the last 10 games. But the beautiful thing is we had capable cover in depth.
Have been staring at the league table for the last hour, oh happy days!!!
Bring on the Charlton.
@ChrisBottom16
says...
10:52pm Sat 29 Dec 12
grahamwfc wrote:Wojciech Pawlowski - Udinese Goalkeeper.
DuffmanWFC wrote:I was under the impression that overseas loan players count as "transferred" players & we can have and play as many as we want - this is what is rankling with a few clubs.
Great win today whilst playing some great one touch football, I've always said that we will be at our strongest from November and so it is starting to show!
Those who moaned about the owners and the loans at the start of the season are proved to know nothing!
When Vydra, Ekstrand, Abdi, Forestieri and Pudil sign permenantly in January that will be amaizing!
I still think Beleck and Anya don't really have much to offer and may go back to there clubs as I believe we may have better options available to us in Geijo, Eustace and Bauban.
I think a right sided midfielder and a good goalie is what Zola may look at and again they could be loanees?
With the above five players signing permanently we will see more of Franchone, Bottacchino, Forestieri and Neuton due to the max of loans that can play at any one time!
Depending on whether we do get promotion this season and depending on performances by the following players: Geijo, Neuton, Bottacchino and Franchone will depend whether they get signed at the end of the season.
Anyway whatever happens it will be exciting from now till May and its just the start of a new, exciting era!
Come On You Orns!
I agree Keeper cover, Kieran Westwood would be good, Eustace in for Hogg - lots of energy but poor passer & will never score.
Anya offered nothing today - Need Lloyd back to cover for Marco.
what is the issue with Murray - can he just not be accommodated - I can see Dyche sniffing around.
No reason for Chelsea wanting NC back but Battachio could slot in there if needs be.
Hope One_size is OK would be a big miss.
Vydra awesome & Deeney could be next Grant Holt - improving every game
Bush Hornet
says...
11:00pm Sat 29 Dec 12
bigfoot63
says...
11:11pm Sat 29 Dec 12
DuffmanWFC
says...
11:19pm Sat 29 Dec 12
He hasn't had much game time this season and I don't think he is the man to play out on the right.
I would rather see Murray out on the right but he lacks defensively!
Not sure what's happening with Murray as he got the opportunities to perform at the beginning of the season but he just hasn't lived upto last seasons displays!
I hope Zola can get Murrays head right as he can be a really good player!
Still think Zola knows he needs a pacey, hard working but creative right midfielder along with a back up goalie of high quality!
Holly68
says...
11:26pm Sat 29 Dec 12
Holly68
says...
11:57pm Sat 29 Dec 12
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Personal information
Full name Piotr Sebastian Zieliński
Date of birth 20 May 1994 (age 18)
Place of birth Ząbkowice Śląskie
Height 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position Midfielder
Club information
Current club Udinese Calcio
Number 94
Youth career
Orzeł Ząbkowice Śląskie
2007–2011 Zagłęb
ie Lubin
2011–2012 Udinese Calcio
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (
Gls)†
2012– Udinese Calcio 1 (0)
National team
Poland U-15 5 (1)
Poland U-16 6 (0)
Poland U-17 10 (1)
Poland U-18 5 (1)
Poland U-19 15 (5)
2012– Poland U-21 1 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.
† Appearances (Goals).
Piotr Sebastian Zieliński (Polish pronunciation: ; born 20 May 1994 in Ząbkowice Śląskie) is a Polish football midfielder, who plays for Italian Serie A side Udinese.
He made his debut in Serie A on 2 November 2012 when he replaced Antonio Di Natale in 91 minute of the match against Cagliari. Another player rumoured to be moving to Watford FC for the remainder of the current season
Holly68
says...
12:02am Sun 30 Dec 12
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wojciech Pawłowski
Personal information
Full name Wojciech Pawłowski
Date of birth January 18, 1993 (age 19)
Place of birth Koszalin, Poland
Height 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Playing position Goalkeeper
Club information
Current club Udinese
Number 24
Youth career
Bałtyk Koszalin
Lechia Gdańsk
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (
Gls)†
2010–2012 Lechia Gdańsk 16 (0)
2012– Udinese 0 (0
)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 4 July 2012.
† Appearances (Goals).
Wojciech Pawłowski (; born January 18, 1993 in Koszalin) is a Polish football goalkeeper, who plays for Udinese Calcio in the Serie A. In January 2012, rumoured to be joining Watford in January 2013
Hampshire hornet
says...
12:03am Sun 30 Dec 12
Note to all.. Don't ever go by train to the Amex... Got home 30 mins ago...
Anya had a poor game.. Real shame as I am a fan Brighton fans full of praise for us... Better team won..
Rumour hasn't Buckley going to Saints 4.5mill
Stoney77
says...
12:11am Sun 30 Dec 12
D.unstable
says...
12:21am Sun 30 Dec 12
Hampshire hornet wrote:Good piece of business for them, 3.5M profit. I wonder if we were shrewd enough to put a sell on clause in the deal!!!
Brilliant! What was rhenouse like on Sky...? Our lot didn't stop singing..
Note to all.. Don't ever go by train to the Amex... Got home 30 mins ago...
Anya had a poor game.. Real shame as I am a fan Brighton fans full of praise for us... Better team won..
Rumour hasn't Buckley going to Saints 4.5mill
Stoney77
says...
12:21am Sun 30 Dec 12
Hampshire hornet
says...
12:21am Sun 30 Dec 12
Hampshire hornet wrote:The noise ...
Brilliant! What was rhenouse like on Sky...? Our lot didn't stop singing..
Note to all.. Don't ever go by train to the Amex... Got home 30 mins ago...
Anya had a poor game.. Real shame as I am a fan Brighton fans full of praise for us... Better team won..
Rumour hasn't Buckley going to Saints 4.5mill
Rumour has it ...
**** predictive
Bush Hornet
says...
12:22am Sun 30 Dec 12
Stoney77 wrote:Only in my wildest dreams. We play a beautiful game and I'm proud to be a Watford fan
What a great performance. I cannot remember one single 'hoof'. Some of the one touch, intricate, short passing, triangle, football was amazing. Chalobah was immense today and Vydra is the absolute nuts! (will he ever miss a 1 on 1?!!). 3rd goal was absolutely AMAZING. CLINICAL. BOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!! Also, defence was awesome. Wow! I honestly would never have dreamed that we could play such beautiful football. Thank you Pozzos and GFZ. Quote from Sky Spots commentator "There are many things that have been impressive about Watford tonight.... Elegance on the ball and industry off it...". Would you ever believe that sort of sh1t would be said bout WFC?!!! Come on!!! Love it! COYH
jasonwatford
says...
12:32am Sun 30 Dec 12
Skully84
says...
12:34am Sun 30 Dec 12
Bush Hornet wrote:Yeah Anya really worked hard and kept the ball at crucial times, was a bit of an unsung hero for his defensive efforts in an unfamiliar role against Lualua, well marshalled by Hoban who again had a solid game despite the unfortunate pen.
loved it. But disagree with neggy numpers about Anya: thought he worked hard and looked ok
Goyellows
says...
1:05am Sun 30 Dec 12
Bush Hornet
says...
1:13am Sun 30 Dec 12
Skully84 wrote:glad you agree with me.
Bush Hornet wrote:Yeah Anya really worked hard and kept the ball at crucial times, was a bit of an unsung hero for his defensive efforts in an unfamiliar role against Lualua, well marshalled by Hoban who again had a solid game despite the unfortunate pen.
loved it. But disagree with neggy numpers about Anya: thought he worked hard and looked ok
now I'm going to open a webpage with the latest league table on it and stare and dream, whilst drinking whiskey
Bush Hornet
says...
1:17am Sun 30 Dec 12
Harrydownunder
says...
1:20am Sun 30 Dec 12
Like everyone else, I was thrilled by the slick one touch passes and thought we could have had a couple more!
This team will go up! Full of confidence!
Anya was up against a quality player in lua lua and did ok for me. I thought Bia looked out of place. Apart from that, top performance by everyone and can't wait for the boro game now, which is also being shown here.
Need to get the Sydney branch of the hornets down under together for that one!!
GianlucaVialli the better italian
says...
1:22am Sun 30 Dec 12
Holly68 wrote:Deserves it if he was celebrating Brighton scoring. I always knew he was unloyal.
And Buckler thrown out after celebrating 2nd goal
LantauHornet
says...
1:41am Sun 30 Dec 12
LantauHornet
says...
1:41am Sun 30 Dec 12
COYH!!!!
stevyweavy
says...
1:46am Sun 30 Dec 12
SAHornet
says...
5:21am Sun 30 Dec 12
WessexLad wrote:Cheers Laddie....appreciate
I'm so pleased for SA Hornet. As you say: wow!
When I bought it, I hoped that my OAP early bird season ticket would be good value for money, although at that time it was a pig in a poke. Thanks WFC!
d
SAHornet
says...
5:25am Sun 30 Dec 12
D.unstable wrote:Cheers D...much appreciated and have yourself a very happy New Year
Another excellent away performance and cementing a top six position with a game in hand.
Great to see all starting to believe and even a few new names on here!!!
If results go for us we could be in a position to overtake Middlesborough in a couple of weeks.
SA great that you have been able to see us this season, to be fair some great stuff today, some good flowing passes at times but I don't think the conditions did us any favours in particular the first half.
Get these regular starters signed up come Tuesday morning and then take a look at what we need to push on second half.
I hope Hall won't be out for too long as he has be awsome over the last 10 games. But the beautiful thing is we had capable cover in depth.
Have been staring at the league table for the last hour, oh happy days!!!
Bring on the Charlton.
SAHornet
says...
5:31am Sun 30 Dec 12
Stoney77 wrote:Quite agree. Maybe GZ can get the best of of him yet. We surely have one of the most talented managers in the league
Regarding Anya: going forward I think he is not positive enough. Only 2times from 10 did he try to beat a man today, every other time he passed backwards. However, LuaLua would have skinned Casetti today and I think Anya's pace helped him defensively. All in all a decent wing back performance from Anya but I'd just like to see him try and beat his man a bit more going forward.
SAHornet
says...
5:33am Sun 30 Dec 12
Hampshire hornet wrote:Hahaha, all I could hear all night was Watford singing.....and all the way to South Africa. Brilliant, you should all be very proud of yourselves
Hampshire hornet wrote:The noise ...
Brilliant! What was rhenouse like on Sky...? Our lot didn't stop singing..
Note to all.. Don't ever go by train to the Amex... Got home 30 mins ago...
Anya had a poor game.. Real shame as I am a fan Brighton fans full of praise for us... Better team won..
Rumour hasn't Buckley going to Saints 4.5mill
Rumour has it ...
**** predictive
SAHornet
says...
5:37am Sun 30 Dec 12
Bush Hornet wrote:I think that we all need to get over the Cardiff thing now. I don't think they're gonna stutter again this season (although I hope they do). Think we'll beat them in April but reckon they'll have it sown up by then. Hopefully 2nd auto pl;ace for us or a good, big earning play-off place.
ok I've looked at the league table and I'm happy that we are in the play offs but I don't like that gap that C*rd*ff are opening up at the top. I think we need to address that...
SAHornet
says...
5:41am Sun 30 Dec 12
Harrydownunder wrote:Frustrating to be so far away at a time like this, eh, Harry ?
Like sahornet, this was my first chance to watch the horns this season, as it was shown here in Aus. What can I say that hasn't already been said?
Like everyone else, I was thrilled by the slick one touch passes and thought we could have had a couple more!
This team will go up! Full of confidence!
Anya was up against a quality player in lua lua and did ok for me. I thought Bia looked out of place. Apart from that, top performance by everyone and can't wait for the boro game now, which is also being shown here.
Need to get the Sydney branch of the hornets down under together for that one!!
watford4ever
says...
7:01am Sun 30 Dec 12
SAHornet wrote:Do you live in Cape Town, I was having dinner, our last night on holiday when a couple came in. Turns out they had stopped at a bar on the way and the Watford game was on the Box. He asked the barman if he would switch to the Arsenal game and was told "no chance" and had a guy in full Watford strip pointed out to him, watching the game, brilliant!.
AngelHornet wrote:Think that Chalobah was injured right at the end - that's what he meant.
chrisptrifle wrote:Do you mean Hall and not Chalobah?
Have to say - great performance away from home. Amazing pace for the 3rd goal as well - quality ! To be fair we looked pretty good all over although Hoban still has a bit to learn ;) Hope Chalobah is OK and he hasnt done his hamstring strain...
Game was shown live here in SA so this was the first time I have had a chance to see the GB's. OMG, I can't believe I watching a Watford side. What football ! Slick, one touch passing and the speed of Vydra took my breath away. Myu missus had to keep yelling at me to shut the f*c* up. Hahahaha
Slight negatives were that I don't really think it was a pen. LuaLua went down far too easily and also that Anya looks tasty until he gets confronted and then turns back nearly all the time. Lack of confidence or does he lack that final drive for the cross ?
Like a lot of other posts I cannot believe what great football we are playing, been going to the games since 1958 some of the best most composed passing I can remember.
Flying home today and although I love S/Africa cannot wait to be at Vicarage Road on Tuesday
mellow yellow
says...
7:09am Sun 30 Dec 12
The two key moments for me were the substitution of Hall, and the deflection for our second. Nobody has mentioned it here yet, but I was seriously worried that Neuton would not be able to cope with the Brighton front line. Ha, what do I know?! He was totally assured and to me the fact that one-size wasn't really missed is a testimony to the back-up we have on the bench. Not at all convinced by Anya, though I appreciate he was up against Lualua. Bia looks a bit average too. Daft booking and distribution a tad poor. Would be surprised to see either of them at the club next year, but we'll see.
The next big thing will be Eustace returning at just the right time. To me he personifies all that is great about pro players with the right attitude, much like Neil Cox many years ago. On the edge of being frozen out, but fight for their place and (in Eustace's case) become truly great club players and captain. I see him coming in fof Hogg, and we then have a truer box to box player who can also score goals. Something we lack, of course. ;o)
Onwards we march.
DuffmanWFC
says...
8:12am Sun 30 Dec 12
He can be inspirational to players like Hoban, Chalobah and Murray as he is a good leader.
Our bench was strong yesterday and it still lacked players like Eustace, Murray, Nosworthy, Doyley and Bauban! Wow what a side we have!
SAHornet
says...
8:44am Sun 30 Dec 12
watford4ever wrote:No, watford4ever, it wasn't me. By then I had played golf for 5 hours in 30 degrees of heat, had consumed 4 very satisfying pints of bitterly cold Castle draft, a nice dinner prepared by my missus and was happillly ensconced in my lazy boy for the duration, loving every bloody minute of a special night in Brighton.
SAHornet wrote:Do you live in Cape Town, I was having dinner, our last night on holiday when a couple came in. Turns out they had stopped at a bar on the way and the Watford game was on the Box. He asked the barman if he would switch to the Arsenal game and was told "no chance" and had a guy in full Watford strip pointed out to him, watching the game, brilliant!.
AngelHornet wrote:Think that Chalobah was injured right at the end - that's what he meant.
chrisptrifle wrote:Do you mean Hall and not Chalobah?
Have to say - great performance away from home. Amazing pace for the 3rd goal as well - quality ! To be fair we looked pretty good all over although Hoban still has a bit to learn ;) Hope Chalobah is OK and he hasnt done his hamstring strain...
Game was shown live here in SA so this was the first time I have had a chance to see the GB's. OMG, I can't believe I watching a Watford side. What football ! Slick, one touch passing and the speed of Vydra took my breath away. Myu missus had to keep yelling at me to shut the f*c* up. Hahahaha
Slight negatives were that I don't really think it was a pen. LuaLua went down far too easily and also that Anya looks tasty until he gets confronted and then turns back nearly all the time. Lack of confidence or does he lack that final drive for the cross ?
Like a lot of other posts I cannot believe what great football we are playing, been going to the games since 1958 some of the best most composed passing I can remember.
Flying home today and although I love S/Africa cannot wait to be at Vicarage Road on Tuesday
I love SA too but at times like these, I seem to be a long way away. Safe journey home, my pal.
Bush Hornet
says...
9:18am Sun 30 Dec 12
Just saying. Nothing is won at Christmas.
Bush Hornet
says...
9:23am Sun 30 Dec 12
chrisptrifle
says...
9:39am Sun 30 Dec 12
SAHornet wrote:Thanks SAHorn... Yes that is what I meant. As much as I think we will miss Hall, we have good cover there. Chalobah, however, is in another league IMO and we will miss his ease under pressure - the guy simply has more time on the ball than anyone else and seems to improve every game. I guess we need to wait and see on both of them.
AngelHornet wrote:Think that Chalobah was injured right at the end - that's what he meant.
chrisptrifle wrote:Do you mean Hall and not Chalobah?
Have to say - great performance away from home. Amazing pace for the 3rd goal as well - quality ! To be fair we looked pretty good all over although Hoban still has a bit to learn ;) Hope Chalobah is OK and he hasnt done his hamstring strain...
Game was shown live here in SA so this was the first time I have had a chance to see the GB's. OMG, I can't believe I watching a Watford side. What football ! Slick, one touch passing and the speed of Vydra took my breath away. Myu missus had to keep yelling at me to shut the f*c* up. Hahahaha
Slight negatives were that I don't really think it was a pen. LuaLua went down far too easily and also that Anya looks tasty until he gets confronted and then turns back nearly all the time. Lack of confidence or does he lack that final drive for the cross ?
chrisptrifle
says...
9:48am Sun 30 Dec 12
hemelhorn87 wrote:Well it was half tongue in cheek tbh... Don't get me wrong - I think Hoban is class, but I think he could have been a bit more 'sneaky' in making that challenge... It was one of those that 'looked like a pen'. I think someone with more experience may have got their body in the way a bit more to make it look as though the other player had fouled him or it was 50/50. Anyway, hope he keeps the form up - as you say, he's proving to be a good player for us !
chrisptrifle wrote:Hoban has a bit to learn, I sincerely hope you're joking. He's was faultless today as he has been every week! The penalty was completely almunias fault and an unfortunate trip that could happen to anyone. Vydra and deeney were once again excellent. A top, top result!
Have to say - great performance away from home. Amazing pace for the 3rd goal as well - quality ! To be fair we looked pretty good all over although Hoban still has a bit to learn ;) Hope Chalobah is OK and he hasnt done his hamstring strain...
There's a nice little gap between those teams in the play offs and those outside - we just need to start pulling in those above and this season could just get more and more exciting...
No Wheels
says...
10:00am Sun 30 Dec 12
Penrice
says...
10:12am Sun 30 Dec 12
No Wheels wrote:Anyone else got a spare ticket for the Mancs???
I think criticism of Anya seems a little harsh. He may not quite be the marauding winger people want him to be, but then that isn't quite the role he's been given. He's being asked to defend as well, and in a four yesterday rather than as a wing back. He had their best man and one with a point to prove up against him yesterday in Lualua, and did okay. He also does enough to scare defences... Those big open spaces that Vydra finds are there at least in part because defences are scared of Anya's speed on the flank... Great to see we also look good on the telly... Excellence and industry.....
Eastsussexhornet
says...
10:43am Sun 30 Dec 12
chrisptrifle wrote:I actually thought Hoban was excellent last night.
Have to say - great performance away from home. Amazing pace for the 3rd goal as well - quality ! To be fair we looked pretty good all over although Hoban still has a bit to learn ;) Hope Chalobah is OK and he hasnt done his hamstring strain...
Eastsussexhornet
says...
10:46am Sun 30 Dec 12
AngelHornet wrote:I think he meant Hall - unless Chalobah was a real hero and played for most of the match with his hamstring gone!
chrisptrifle wrote:Do you mean Hall and not Chalobah?
Have to say - great performance away from home. Amazing pace for the 3rd goal as well - quality ! To be fair we looked pretty good all over although Hoban still has a bit to learn ;) Hope Chalobah is OK and he hasnt done his hamstring strain...
WessexLad
says...
10:55am Sun 30 Dec 12
watford4ever wrote:Don't be late. It's a 1pm kick-off.
SAHornet wrote:Do you live in Cape Town, I was having dinner, our last night on holiday when a couple came in. Turns out they had stopped at a bar on the way and the Watford game was on the Box. He asked the barman if he would switch to the Arsenal game and was told "no chance" and had a guy in full Watford strip pointed out to him, watching the game, brilliant!.
AngelHornet wrote:Think that Chalobah was injured right at the end - that's what he meant.
chrisptrifle wrote:Do you mean Hall and not Chalobah?
Have to say - great performance away from home. Amazing pace for the 3rd goal as well - quality ! To be fair we looked pretty good all over although Hoban still has a bit to learn ;) Hope Chalobah is OK and he hasnt done his hamstring strain...
Game was shown live here in SA so this was the first time I have had a chance to see the GB's. OMG, I can't believe I watching a Watford side. What football ! Slick, one touch passing and the speed of Vydra took my breath away. Myu missus had to keep yelling at me to shut the f*c* up. Hahahaha
Slight negatives were that I don't really think it was a pen. LuaLua went down far too easily and also that Anya looks tasty until he gets confronted and then turns back nearly all the time. Lack of confidence or does he lack that final drive for the cross ?
Like a lot of other posts I cannot believe what great football we are playing, been going to the games since 1958 some of the best most composed passing I can remember.
Flying home today and although I love S/Africa cannot wait to be at Vicarage Road on Tuesday
a1derek
says...
11:56am Sun 30 Dec 12
Bush Hornet wrote:As someone else has already said, Cardiff have ridden their luck recently. They are yet to have a bad run and they will do - McPie always has a really bad run, Cardiff's is yet to come. Same for Boro. It will go to the wire for the automiatic and play off places I reckon and look at where Reading came from lst season. It's far from done - we're only half way!
ok I've looked at the league table and I'm happy that we are in the play offs but I don't like that gap that C*rd*ff are opening up at the top. I think we need to address that...
Re yesterday, thought Anya did well against their best player (by some distance). I would really like to see Battocchio given a run in place of Hogg. Hogg has done O.K, but what I have seen of Battocchio in his brief appearances suggests (to me anyway) he would add more creativity in there! Just my humble opinion and in the great scheme of things it's a minor one!
Bush Hornet
says...
12:46pm Sun 30 Dec 12
No Wheels wrote:I agree. Anya is a decent little player.
I think criticism of Anya seems a little harsh. He may not quite be the marauding winger people want him to be, but then that isn't quite the role he's been given. He's being asked to defend as well, and in a four yesterday rather than as a wing back. He had their best man and one with a point to prove up against him yesterday in Lualua, and did okay. He also does enough to scare defences... Those big open spaces that Vydra finds are there at least in part because defences are scared of Anya's speed on the flank... Great to see we also look good on the telly... Excellence and industry.....
goldenboy1993
says...
3:45pm Sun 30 Dec 12
Holly68
says...
4:12pm Sun 30 Dec 12
Mangoputney
says...
4:51pm Sun 30 Dec 12
Holly68 wrote:And Neuton!
I agree Hoban has been magnificent, but lets not underestimate the fantastic contributions of Hall and Ekstrand
Mangoputney
says...
4:58pm Sun 30 Dec 12
Boosey
says...
5:21pm Sun 30 Dec 12
D.unstable wrote:LOL totally agree about league table, **** weird how it's that absorbing to keep looking at it!
Another excellent away performance and cementing a top six position with a game in hand. Great to see all starting to believe and even a few new names on here!!! If results go for us we could be in a position to overtake Middlesborough in a couple of weeks. SA great that you have been able to see us this season, to be fair some great stuff today, some good flowing passes at times but I don't think the conditions did us any favours in particular the first half. Get these regular starters signed up come Tuesday morning and then take a look at what we need to push on second half. I hope Hall won't be out for too long as he has be awsome over the last 10 games. But the beautiful thing is we had capable cover in depth. Have been staring at the league table for the last hour, oh happy days!!! Bring on the Charlton.
Jmenezes
says...
6:51pm Sun 30 Dec 12
JohnnyBarnes
says...
8:18pm Sun 30 Dec 12
Given the speed with which Murray and Hoban were tied down to 5-year contracts, I'd be very surprised if Vydra, Fessi, Ekstrand, Abdi, Pudil, Fitz and Almunia didn't already have contracts typed up and waiting for them - the Pozzos don't mess about. I'd get Zola wrapped up for five years as well: an honest manager who very quickly owns up to and learns from his mistakes, is loved by his players and has got them playing slick football in a matter of weeks. Not an easy list of things to find in one guy.
The strength in depth of this squad (albeit one that will be significantly trimmed come the summer) is unbelievable, and in Vydra I believe we've got the best finisher outside the top flight - I wouldn't swap him for anyone. Interesting to see what the forward line will look like once Fessi's fit again.
I've written a letter to Abramovich already letting him know that Chalobah looks out of his depth in the Championship, so he may as well give the kid to us - we'll look after him if we have to ;-)
jasonwatford
says...
9:53pm Sun 30 Dec 12
d....mata...wont be moving on for a while and Rafa dont do youngsters he wants ready made willing to go stars..so why not take loan till end of season then make a decent bid for the boy ??
Mangoputney
says...
10:22pm Sun 30 Dec 12
jasonwatford wrote:Good to see Lampard banging in the goals! Should help our cause!
ive been thinking about chaloboa situation....they have had players before coming through that were gonna be the next big thing ... Jack Cork was the next lampard..josh Mceacron was next lampard....both went away or will be gone...oscar...hazar
d....mata...wont be moving on for a while and Rafa dont do youngsters he wants ready made willing to go stars..so why not take loan till end of season then make a decent bid for the boy ??
Henry VIII
says...
10:46pm Sun 30 Dec 12
SAHornet
says...
8:24am Mon 31 Dec 12
amayesing
says...
10:10am Wed 2 Jan 13
chrisptrifle says...
7:30pm Sat 29 Dec 12