Tom Cleverley explains unwanted change in Watford tactics for ‘significant’ Middlesbrough win
Watford boss Tom Cleverley gave his verdict after the 2-1 win over Boro, after which he had nice things to say about Michael Carrick’s side
Tom Cleverley believes Watford’s win over Middlesbrough was a significant one that proved their top-six credentials, as he explained the unwanted tactical decision he made to claim the three points.
Complimentary of Boro after watching their midweek victory over West Brom, Cleverley, against his usual preference, set Watford up to be a counter-attacking side, and it ended up paying off as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Vicarage Road to climb into the play-off places.
Cleverley’s feeling of the victory’s significance was in itself a compliment to Boro and how good he believes Michael Carrick’s side are. But, not for the first time this season, an opposition boss is talking about a positive result after setting up to let Boro have the ball.
The Watford boss reflected after: “To compete against the quality of the opposition is really encouraging. You know against Middlesbrough you will have to suffer some periods without the ball. To me, that was the perfect way to respond [to the midweek defeat to Preston] and we’ve shown our credentials today.
