Teddeer

I meant that in the second half Watford only had one chance. Didn't see the first half.

That was reasonably comfortable and Watford really only had the one chance in the second half when McCarthy pulled off a good save. We were unlucky with a couple of deflected shots that, on another day, might have sneaked in. Think with Broja up front that would have been a more convincing win. 7 points from Leeds, Burnley and Watford is what I hoped for so happy with that. Stu Armstrong clearly needs games to get back up to speed. No bad performances today, it was a good team effort and a much needed win plus another clean sheet. Watford looked poor in general so this was a game we needed 3 points from.

Sounds like Broja might have filled his boots today.

Haven't been watching but the forum keeps saying another easy chance missed yet the BBC stats show us with one shot on target which was the goal. Sounds like the cows arse is safe from the banjo today.

Exactly.

For me it was a mistake and a waste of money signing him. He's not shown enough to justify what we're paying out and that money could have been better spent elsewhere. Would love him to prove me wrong and go on a run of good games but I won't be holding my breath.

I too am a supporter. I do not hate Walcott but it irks me that we signed him, pay him a fortune and he turns in far too many very sub-standard performances. We need to get what we pay him for so I would expect much more than I'm seeing. Don't think that's too much to ask.

The Echo is suggesting Walcott could be in contention :-). Do they not watch the games.

He couldn't possibly be less value for money than Walcott.

But surely the contractual situation shouldn't come into it. Doesn't Ralph pick the 'keeper who he thinks gives the team the most chance of winning? Maybe I'm missing something. Better of the two starts surely whether that's McCarthy or Forster.

Broja is a huge miss. I think has absence makes Watford favourites to pick up the 3 points. Not confident now.

I think going straight to penalties went against us for this particular game. With who we had left on the pitch I didn't fancy us in the shoot out and reckon we'd have had a better chance of winning it had there been extra time. Of course we'll never know.

Never really understood the concept of having a playbook. It's not as though any successful side will stick rigidly to one system. Managers have to adapt, react and change systems to suit different challenges resulting in them using a multitude of systems. Unless Ralph's playbook teaches a unique system that he invented and no other coaches use, what is the point of it? All smacks of self indulgence if I'm honest.

Lots for Ralph to ponder in terms of his team selection for this one. Which of our two 'keepers does he pick? I'd give FF a go but Ralph will almost certainly stick with AM. Does he give Lyanco a try alongside Salisu or maybe even in a 3 with Bednarek? Will JWP come straight back despite fine performances from Diallo? Does Stuart Armstrong get a start? Who will play up front? Will Ralph continue to find a place in the starting line up for Walcott? - would be sheer madness but I wouldn't rule it out. It's good that he has more options and lets hope he makes the right choices and we come away with a much needed win although a draw seems more likely.

It seems there was a recall clause inserted meaning Chelsea can take him back in January. With Lukaku and Werner plus their other forwards it is quite likely they'll leave him with us to get more experience unless they have a bad run of injuries or Broja turns into a goal machine 🙂

You seem to be advocating that Adams starts at he expense of our best finisher Broja because Che creates more. So without Broja who is going to convert the chances Che creates? Bit of a vicious circle really. If fit, Broja should be one of the first names on the team sheet. Maybe I've misunderstood your point.

Let's see if Ralph is brave enough to try a partnership of Salisu and Lyanco for a run of games. Maybe they'll gel and become formidable or maybe not but will Ralph take the gamble? My guess is, probably not.

Let's see if Ralph is brave enough to try a partnership of Salisu and Lyanco for a run of games. Maybe they'll gel and become formidable or maybe not but will Ralph take the gamble? My guess is, probably not.

Broja over Adams is a no-brainer in my opinion. Adams goal last night was what I'd call a tap-in.

It did have the look of a freak result because Watford were 2-1 down with 12 minutes to go. Once they equalised Everton self-destructed. Maybe I'm doing Watford an injustice but those goals were very soft and I just think they suckered Everton after unexpectedly drawing level late in the game. We'll see what they have on Saturday but we ought to be good for at least a point.

It won't happen but I agree with that line-up.

Who is our captain then? 🙂

That's a strong looking Chelsea team so hats off to Ralph if we get through.

Unfortunately one of the players Ralph has is Walcott and for some strange reason he considers him a first pick. He seems to be in the minority on that.

Saving Walcott for Saturday perhaps. I'd have rather he wasn't risking Salisu in this one so let's hope he comes through it unscathed.