From http://thewatfordnest.blog.com/ There are a number of reasons why I am not in the mood to write this particular blog. 1) I've just had a 3 hour exam on the German 'Weimar Republic' 2) I have no internet at home, forcing me to find a new temporary venue 3) Actually involves Watford and the performance against Liverpool, the supposed subject of this blog. Saturday early afternoon matches are never good for the fans so why do Sky (Prem Plus) continue to persevere with them? Money - simple answer. Can't have them in the evening because they Spanish football is on, so who suffers? The true fans, at the expense of armchair supporters who think they know everything but actually know nothing. Anyone could tell that the lack of atmosphere on Saturday was caused by the early kick-off, it was early for me and I didn't leave the house until 12.15! I'm sure there were many other Watford fans across the country like myself unable to watch the match at the Vic and who had to settle for Sky and a pub. Despite my rant about Sky, I enjoy watching their games, in fact it's all that seems to happen on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon here in the cold and rain of Wales, but nothing substitutes for the real thing. Watford never got out of gear at all, but things need to be kept in perspective, Liverpool despite their poor results in both the Carling and F.A Cup are third in the league. Most of their players are skilful and determined and Rafa Benitez is a master at tactics, unfortunately still one of the few weaknesses in Boothroyd's game plan. Liverpool were always going to be looking to get a good start to settle their nerves and to prove that they do still have something to fight for this season. In contrast we seemed to lack the fight which we have shown every game except that 'other' must-win home game. The first 30 minutes were relatively even, Liverpool dominating possession but Watford making quick breaks and attempting to attack whenever possible. Unfortunately the short passing which was evident against Arsenal, Wigan and Fulham appeared to have disappeared again, long balls (clearances) always falling at the feet of Liverpool players because Macca, Smith, Young and Bouazza are hardly the tallest of players, capable of holding up the play. The defence normally tight, looked poor without Shittu as far too many gaps emerged, and was eventually punished just after 35 minutes. Demerit made a good block from a Peter Crouch attempt, followed up by a save from Foster. But rather than the ball falling to a Watford player it fell back to the feet of Crouch, seeing Finnan in space he passed to him, Finnan then seeing Bellamy in space passed to him and seeing the net empty passed the ball into the net. Minutes later Smith should have equalised when Liverpool's defence in a rare moment gave too much space. Unfortunately Smiths touch was poor and his shot/cross even worse. The ball went out for a goal kick, and before I knew what was happening it was 2.0, this time Kuyt had the shot, saved by Foster the rebound fell to Crouch. The 2nd half was little better. I'm not normally critical of Boothroyd but he did make a rather strange decision. Macca who had not got into the game was replaced by Henderson, surely the best crosser of the ball and the best at heading should be on the pitch at the same time? That way you play to both players advantages. The other change was Hoskin's for his debut against the underperforming Bangura. It was clear neither change were going to win the match or even salvage a draw and appeared to be Boothroyd's attempt at showing he wanted and expected us to win even though even he knew we wouldn't. On the 47th minute it was 3.0, I thought it was going to get much worse, but Liverpool sat back and the next 43 minutes passed by with little incident, thought Jordon Stewart could have scored his first goal for the club. Maybe he should try shots like that when we are level, rather than leaving it far too late when they wouldn't make any difference what so ever. For a change there were very few, if any positives. The only one is we are still in the Premiership and will continue to be there in name until next season at the worst. Being in the Premiership evolves around money, that is why we can demand silly money for our players. Who'd have thought a year ago that we might get £10 million (reported figure today Monday) for Young? If we weren't in the Premiership we'd no doubt have been forced to accept the first offer, that in itself is one consolation about being here. Comments appreciated as always, Thanks Aber
Do you think the Weimar Constitution was a success or do you think it laid the foundations for future troubles?
I knew I should have put it into some form of context that I could actually understand to get a good mark! Though of course Lewington (arguably) laid the seeds for success not destruction…the latter being he who can’t be named
