Must have been Deeney's fault - everything else seems to be. Even people complaining he wasn't in the right place when Sema scored!
Arsenal scored their final three goals after Watford had started bringing on the youngsters. Watford made 3 changes at half-time, including Crichlow for Dennis. The score was still 1-1 when Baah replaced Saar and Abbott (only 16 years old) replaced Cathcart, although it was Kabasele who made subsequent errors. Watford made a total of 11 changes and finished with nine U-23 players on the pitch whereas Arsenal used experienced Premier League players during the second-half. "Alex Runarsson, Hector Bellerin, Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding, Thomas Partey, Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette were all introduced after the break. Sead Kolasnic, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Miguel Azeez and Emile Smith were later introduced to the fray." (Daily Express). Therefore, one should not read too much into the result (despite the Daily Express using the headline "Arsenal thrash Watford in all-Premier League friendly behind closed doors"). The Daily Express reporter appeared to know only about Arsenal players and ignored the fact that that Watford had introduced a large number of youngsters during the second-half when Arsenal scored their final three goals. However, I am not convinced about the value for Watford of making so many changes and playing U-23 players against experienced Arsenal players. I would have thought that Muñoz needs to be developing some team cohesion.
This tends to confirm that the problem is his agent. Doubly annoying that his agent is a former Hornet...
The Athletic has confirmed what I suspected about the reason for the cancellation of Watford's preseason friendly game against Barnsley: "Behind the scenes, The Athletic has learnt that Watford are disappointed that (Manchester) City have “thrown their weight around”, as one source put it, and Barnsley have reneged on an arrangement that not only leaves Watford out of pocket (financially) but also, and more importantly, without an opponent to practise against as they ramp up preparations for the start of their Premier League season on August 14." Apparently Guardiola was concerned about about City's lack of preseason friendlies and wanted a preseason game against a high-pressing side after the cancellation of City's trip to play Troyes in France because of the travel restrictions. Barnsley have signed a new CEO (Khaled El-Ahmad), who has been an executive at City Football Group (CFG) since 2016, to replace Dane Murphy. "Discussions between Barnsley and CFG centred on the speed at which El-Ahmad would be able to take over at Oakwell due to him having to serve a period of gardening leave..........it’s understood a solution surfaced that would be suitable for both parties. El-Ahmad would be able to take over before the scheduled start date if Barnsley could extricate themselves from the Watford friendly and play against CFG’s jewel in the crown (Manchester City) instead. Everyone would be happy — apart from Watford."
This is why I hate Man City, unbelievably poor form from them, but unfortunately, exactly what I expect from them with their low morals.
Just watched an enjoyable half-hour programme on Sky (PL World) about Watford. Nothing new, but good PR for the club and worth watching. It made a change from Sky's usual fixation with the 'Big Six' clubs. The programme will be repeated tomorrow (Friday) at 21.00.
An interesting and informative potted history of our club. https://twohundredpercent.net/bad-things-watford/
I agree with the sentiment expressed in this post by Bolton's Boots, even though the bodily reference is rather crude. Personally I strongly dislike the behaviour of Manchester City and I can not understand why a state was allowed to buy a Premier League club. The wealth of the owners in Abu Dhabi has distorted the Premier League and they appear to have used the club for PR purposes. I was incredulous to read how many Barnsley and City supporters were defending (in the Athletic) their behaviour. I was delighted when Chelsea defeated Manchester Ciry in the Champions' League final, although I have no love for Chelsea who are funded by Abramovich's billions. City show absolute contempt in their behaviour towards other clubs. Villa and Spurs fans despise them because of the way that they have chased Grealish and Kane. They have stolen the best young prospects (Jadon Sancho and Tomas Galvez) from Watford's academy and paid very little compensation. Now they have used their influence to hijack the opponents in the Hornets' preseason friendly fixture arranged for today. I am not sure what benefit Barnsley gained from this game apart from speeding up the appointment of their CEO. Manchester played a number of youngsters and reserve players, but still won 4-0 and missed a penalty. Hardly the ideal preparation for Barnsley before their first Championship game of the new season next Saturday..
I spend some time on the Prem Forum and there is not one single team or supporter who has any admiration or respect for Man City