With the World Cup coming to an end, we return our focus to the Championship, where Hull took on Watford at Vicarage Road. We have had two months off since we played our last game in this league - against Reading where we were defeated 1-2 - and during this period, we played two friendlies: both of which we drew. Watching these friendlies, I thought that we had minor improvements and it seems as though we looked a lot more threatening. Could they apply this into the games that actually count?
The team had four changes, meaning the team consisted of: Ingram (in goal); Christie, McLoughlin; Jones; Greaves (as the back four); Seri; Pelkas; Woods (acting as our middle three); Longman; Slater and Smith (upfront). In my opinion, this starting eleven was quite weak and If we wanted to win then some of our main men needed to start; however, I was proven wrong and they played quite well together.
It was great to be back again. Unfortunately, I did not make the trip down to Watford but I still managed to watch it from home - not quite the same as being there but it was the best I could do.
In the first half, I thought that both teams were just as good as each other. Instantly, I saw huge improvements with the way we were passing the ball around the field, and we hardly got it taken off us as well. But it was the same with Watford; they were fast and they knew who to pass to as soon as they received the ball. This was great to see as our passing in recent games has been quite poor. The one problem was that we always passed backwards and ended up making too many passes from defender to keeper. If you do not know what to do with the ball when you are on your own, the best thing to do is just clear it instead of passing your way out of trouble. This is because, when you have the ball in your area you are just going to get pressured and probably get the ball taken off you, which gives them an easy chance on goal. We stopped doing this as it got further into the half and we started making some really good chances. We were not able to make the net bulge. And, luckily, neither did Watford. To be honest, this half was back and forth and both teams had a fair amount of possession and we both created chances. There was nothing else to comment upon in the first half but the fact that we played superbly - especially against a side high up in the table.
It was goalless at half time.
Both teams came back onto the pitch unchanged and I was excited to see what we could produce.
In the second period, it was more or less same as the first; Both teams were looking dangerous in attack and we shared the same amount of possession. We did have some weaknesses, though, and it was annoying because they did not appear in the first 45 minutes. Our defence was shocking, probably one of the worst back four performances I have ever seen. There was no communication and every time Watford came at us, they were always let into our box. I am surprised that they did not score. This has always been an issue with us, and it needs to be resolved as quickly as possible. Maybe some new defenders would be good for us instead of wasting our money on attackers. We have all the attackers and midfielders we need so it is time to scout for some new defenders. Clearly, we need it if our back four are as weak as they are. Even my football team - under 8’s (obviously when I was younger) - were stronger. Whenever a defender won the ball in the area, they were clueless; they never cleared it and Watford always ended up winning it back. It is like pinball. Other than this, I thought that we were full of energy and determination. We had that hunger to win as well. Some great chances were created from us though and our best one was when the ball was crossed into Tufan who put it over the bar. All he had to do was take a shot and hit it low instead of going for the volley. This was definitely our best chance of the game and nothing else came after this, from both sides.
The game ended 0-0 and we were the far better side.
So, it seems that we have had some changes made to the way we have played since our last match, and hopefully that can carry on throughout the rest of the season. I happily took the point and we go again next week, where we will face Sunderland on home turf.
Well put 👏
👏👏👏