Goalscorer Ngakia one of the bright spots in a sticky period
When Ryan Andrews strode onto a delightful pass from Kwadwo Baah, and pulled the ball back across the six-yard box, few would have predicted Jeremy Ngakia would be the player sliding in to score the equaliser.
It was the 24-year-old’s first senior goal, never mind his first for Watford, and capped another solid performance from a player who has had his fair share of detractors.
“He has gone under radar has Jeremy, which is normal in a poor run of results because you don’t credit individuals as much as we were six weeks ago,” said Tom Cleverley.
“But he is someone whose performance levels have been outstanding in the last month to six weeks.
“He’s returned from injury and he’s been outstanding, with really high and consistent performance levels.
“He’s got real desire that we love, and him arriving at the back post like a steam train doesn’t surprise me because he’s got a lot of heart and desire.”
Watford’s best chance of a second equaliser fell to Giorgi Chakvetadze, but his effort was blocked.
“I’m happy he’s in that position,” said Cleverley.
“We really have to work hard with Giorgi because he’s a player that likes to drift out of the box and make things happen.
“So I’m really happy he’s arrived in the position to have the chance, but I’ve not had a chance to watch it back.”
The Hornets adopted a totally different shape, with Baah and Rocco Vata playing up front.
“I thought we got into some great positions,” said Cleverley.
“You create a gameplan to get defensive solidity, midfield solidity and our most dangerous players in channels where they operate the best.
“I thought we really did that, but we didn’t quite find the end product.
“It just wasn’t Rocco’s day today, but I was really pleased with how they interpreted it.”
The changes meant Vakoun Bayo was back among the substitutes.
“I always like to speak with my players when they come out of the team, and I said before this period that we had five league games in 12 or 13 days and there will be rotations,” Cleverley explained.
“We had the luxury of changing four on Wednesday, another set of changes today, and it’s more rotation than people being dropped.”
One thing that sadly didn’t change was Watford’s tendency to switch off, with the Blades winner coming from a quickly-taken free kick.
“It is a basic part of the game,” admitted the Hornets head coach.
“I was really disappointed with it happening so early at QPR, so we addressed it.
“When it happens late in the game you have to say mental and physical fatigue plays a part.
“To switch off is disappointing and they took full advantage.
“Apart from the one in the last minute, that was their only real chance of the second half.”
