Watford are one of our least popular opponents but Saturday demonstrated how we have started to get to grips with the Hornets. Building from our 4-1 thrashing of them at the end of last season. after a close first half yesterday Pellegrini's troops pushed on for a deserved 3-1 win that has really kick started our season. Bobby Bubbles gives his verdict:
Pellegrini: Bringing on Antonio early in the second half was the master stroke that changed the game. However, we still look disorganised and jumpy at the back! 8/10.
Fabianski: Calm and assured despite a shaky defence in front of him. No blame for the goal. 8/10
Fredericks: Solid if unremarkable stuff. Needs to bring more to our attack but still getting game time with Yarmo and Antonio. 7/10.
Ogbonna: More assured after the poor performance at Brighton where all the transfer talk clearly unsettled him. 7/10.
Diop: You sense that he prefers playing alongside Balbuena. Solid performance, albeit with the odd bit of chaos but Watford are a hard side to defend against as they have a very fluid attack. 7/10
Masuaku: Not right enough for the goal but in fairness our midfield was too casual getting back and left us horribly exposed. Otherwise, another decent performance and he is decent going forward7/10.
Rice: Solid throughout without any remarkable moments. 7/10.
Noble: Captain Claret is back! A trademark cool penalty and usual strong leadership throughout. His return was undoubtedly a major factor in our getting the win. 8/10.
Lanzini: Looks right back to his old self and back on the pace. Excellent play leading up to the penalty. Tricky throughout. 8/10.
Anderson: Always looks capable of opening things up and did so for the crucial second goal. 8/10.
Haller: Excellent stuff. Looks the real deal - pacy, skilful, two-footed and knows where the net is as he demonstrated twice. The 2nd goal was a delight. The first of many MOTMs we hope! 9/10.
Yarmolenko: Still finding his feet again but had some good moments before a surprisingly early substitution. 7/10.
Substitutes
Antonio: A real game changer with his physicality and movement. Almost scored twice with the second effort responsible for our third goal. It's hard to know whether he should start or provide a super sub function??? 8/10.
Fornals: No major impact 5/10.
Next up Norwich and the chance to get into the top half. This time last year we were pointless...