Five talking points: Changing shape, Vata impact and exceeding expectations

Some wins feel they’re worth more than three points – and Vicarage Road witnessed another one today as Watford ended West Bromwich Albion’s 12-match unbeaten run with a 2-1 victory to extend their unbeaten home record to a 12th game in all competitions this season.

An absorbing contest between two good sides saw the Hornets establish a two-goal lead by early in the second half as Vakoun Bayo converted two fine Rocco Vata crosses with two superb finishes, excellent rewarded for the positive approach the hosts adopted from the outset.

That changed when Jayson Molumby pulled one back midway through the second half, but Tom Cleverley’s men dug in when required to pick up an eighth victory in ten league outings at Vicarage Road this season.

Here are five talking points we’ve picked out from this afternoon’s game. Tell us what you think by using the comments facility on this page.

Changing shape and approach

Cleverley unleashed Giorgi Chakvetadze, Kwadwo Baah and Rocco Vata from the outset as he switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation and adopted a more attacking approach and it worked a treat for two-thirds of the match.

The Hornets produced a controlled and composed display but utilised the attacking qualities of the trio to take control of the contest, only changing their approach after conceding as Cleverley made changes and switched to a more solid 4-5-1 to see the job through.

Would you like to see Cleverley continue with this new approach?

Vata impact

Having scored his first Watford goal to salvage a late point at Hull City, Vata was handed only his second league start of the season but he rewarded Cleverley’s faith with an excellent display.

The 19-year-old almost gave the Hornets the lead with a shot that hit the bar but went on to set up both his side’s goals with two superb crosses.

How impressed were you by Vata’s display?

Solid Porteous

Watford’s run of four consecutive clean sheets at home has come to an end but Porteous did his best to continue it.

From the moment the Scottish international produced a fine interception to deal with an early Tom Fellows cut back, he was excellent defensively and played with controlled aggression throughout.

What did you make of Porteous’ performance?

‘Oh Giorgi, Giorgi…’

Some media colleagues covering the Baggies were gushing in their praise of Chakvetadze’s display after a game in which the only way the opposition often found to stop him was to pull him back, earning them two yellow cards.

The Georgian was at his direct, dynamic best when he picked up the ball in midfield, leading Watford’s attacking advances or helping to relieve pressure.

Now if he could just a more consistent end product to his game…

What did you make of Chakvetadze’s latest eye-catching showing?

Exceeding expectations

The victory has not been enough to move Watford back into the play-off places – they are now seventh behind Middlesbrough on goal difference – but it has created a small cushion over most of the chasing pack as the halfway point of the season approaches.

West Brom are two points lower in the table but few outside Vicarage Road would have bet on the Hornets having a five-point advantage over the ninth-placed side with 20 games played.

The platform has been established. The challenge now is for the Hornets to build on it and continue their push towards the top end of the table through the winter months.

How optimistic are you that Watford can continue to challenge for the play-offs?