Watford start 2018 with a 3-1 loss at the Etihad to runaway leaders Manchester City, to continue their poor run, as they lost their 10th game in the last 14 games.
Marco Silva’s men got off to the worst possible start as Janmaat was caught out of position allowing Sane to fizz a cross for Sterling to tap in inside 39 seconds. Kabasele the diverted a Kevin de Bruyne cross into his own net as Watford looked well on course towards a repeat of the 0-6 scoreline at the Vicarage Road earlier this season.
However, a slightly improved performance and a professional display from the Hornets meant the second half saw both teams scoring once with Aguero and Gray scoring for their respective teams.
Here are the ratings for the Watford Players.
Heurelho Gomes- 6.5/10
Made some decent saves on a busy night, but had to do much better for the third City goal.
Daryl Janmaat- 3/10
Had to endure a painful game, getting caught out of his position regularly. Was comfortably beaten 1v1 and failed to cut out passes in behind.
Molla Wague- 6.5/10
The best player for Watford. Had a nervy opening minutes before putting in a solid shift, making some crucial clearances and a superb tackle to deny Aguero when he was through.
Christian Kabasele- 6/10
Needed to bail out his fullback time and again. Was barely at fault for the own goal and made some brave tackles and blocks.
Marvin Zeegelaar- 2/10
Careless involvement in both of City’s first-half goals. Failed to track runners and had yet another poor display.
Ben Watson- 4/10
Was absolutely flustered by City’s organized and intense press, giving away many fouls and extremely sloppy in possession.
Etienne Capoue- 5/10
Fed Gray with a beautiful through ball, but a forgettable game otherwise. Completely overrun throughout the game.
Abdoulaye Doucoure- 4.5/10
Another passenger as City took control of the midfield. Took unnecessary risks in his own half and was almost entirely uninvolved.
Richarlison- 5/10
Played on the right and struggled to get into the game as he barely got a touch of the ball.
Andre Carillo- 6/10
Similar to Richarlison, had a quiet game and struggled to get the ball. Notched up a good assist late in the game for Gray. Put in a decent defensive shift as well.
Andre Gray- 7/10
Denied twice by Ederson, but extremely isolated. Worked hard off the ball and got a consolation in the 82nd minute from close range.
Substitutes:
Cleverley (Capoue 61’)- 5/10
Did nothing of note, except a miscued clearance.
Roberto Pereyra (Watson 65’)- 5/10
Wasn’t good on the night.
Jerome Sinclair (Richarlison 82’) – 5/10
Made a solitary run at his fullback.
