Quique Sanchez Flores first programme notes from his second spell as Manager.
Referee: Anthony Taylor 1-2 2-2 Watford 2 – 2 Arsenal
Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead at Watford through defensive errors as Quique Sanchez Flores’ side earned a 2-2 draw in the first game of his second spell.
The hosts fired in 31 shots – a club-record for a Premier League game – as Arsenal’s shaky defence finally cracked after the break.
Watford had the chances during a breathless finale when the outstanding Gerard Deulofeu fired inches off target and Tom Cleverley saw a shot deflect wide off David Luiz before, at the very last, Abdoulaye Doucouré blew a gilt-edged opportunity, shooting too close to Bernd Leno.
And so Quique’s back, and inevitably he’s given a warm welcome because such is the way of things in such situations even if the man in question isn’t a good bloke from recent memory. His first team selection is encouraging in its shape… a return to the 4-2-3-1 of Marco Silva’s brief successful period with Tom restored to the buzzing around role in front of two sitting midfielders, Étienne Capoue stepping into the role vacated by Nathaniel Chalobah after his knee injury. More odd was an extremely conservative bench, no out-and-out striker with Welbeck (reportedly injured in training on Friday) and Success omitted from the squad.
The final whistle went to rapturous cheers. As the players applauded the crowd, Quique’s name was being sung and he responded with a broad smile and an enthusiastic wave.
It was fun, it was a lot better and we could have even won it. Jon, Jason and Mike talk through Quique Sanchez Flores’ first game back as Watford Head Coach, and it gave us plenty to talk about.
