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Early goals a problem for Watford as a team not just defence.
The errors that have led to Watford conceding early goals and chances at the start of both halves in recent games cannot purely be attributed to defenders.
Head coach Tom Cleverley made it clear that it requires the whole team to be alert, know their jobs and carry out their defensive duties regardless of where they are on the pitch.
The Hornets have shipped a goal in five minutes or less in five of their last six games, and have consequently won just one of them.
“When I talk about defensive detail, I don’t just mean the three lads at the back, or the five if you include the wing-backs,” said Cleverley.
“I mean the whole team has to value our defensive duties, our defensive mindset and our intensity.
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“We are a good team in possession and we have created a lot of chances, big chances, and we have a lot of final-third entries.
“But that cannot allow us to be complacent, because if you have a good home record and a solid defence then you’ll be successful in this league.
“We need to get back to that.”
When Watford went a goal down so early at Manchester City on Tuesday night, many fans feared the worst.
However, the Hornets responded well and while the home side dominated, the number of chances they were able to create was limited.
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“After reviewing the chances we’ve been giving up at the start of games or the start of the second half, there are a lot that come down to individual defensive detail,” said the Watford boss.
“We’ve got good defenders, it’s just about dialling your mind in at the start of games.
“To understand how important it is to win duels, not to get done on the inside, to defend your back post.
“These are all things we need to highly value, and we valued them on Tuesday – but you have to because it was Man City.
“What you have to do is value these things 46 times a season plus all your cup ties for 95 minutes a game or more.
“That’s our challenge and that is where I feel the key is to improving at the start of games.”
