Manner of defeat to Watford’s derby rivals made it hurt.
The only thing that prevented the Watford players and staff from hearing the boos and abuse being hurled them by the travelling fans at the end of the 3-0 defeat at Luton was the thunderous noise being made by the home supporters.
However, it didn’t stop the many gestures, waving arms and angry faces from getting the point across, and if any of those on the team bus travelling home decided to venture onto social media then they could have read some of the thousands of posts from angry, heartbroken and embarrassed Hornets fans.
“We have to take the criticism on the chin,” admitted Tom Cleverley.
“We have to say they have the bragging rights after today and that hurts.
“If you throw a performance in like that then you have to take it on the chin.
“And none more so than myself, and that does hurt because it’s our local rivals and because of the way we lost.
“It sounds shallow but I apologise for that performance.”
It’s now four consecutive away defeats in the Championship, something that hasn’t happened since 2014.
“There will be an inquest into what we can do as a coaching staff to make the players realise where we fell short,” said Cleverley.
Considered opinions: Luton 3 Watford 0
Cleverley reflects on two very similar derby defeats
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“But for me it’s an away form thing at the moment and it’s something we really have to address.
“We are flat away from home, we’re not committing to trying to play football and we’re not standing up to the battles and the challenges well enough.
“That results in shaky performances and it’s absolutely my responsibility to make sure the team looks like it has an identity away from home.
“We have to start picking up some results.
“The one positive to come out of these performances is that after Norwich and Preston we have reacted well both times.
“We have to do that again on Tuesday.”
