Watford 1 – 0 Barnsley

 A Troy Deeney penalty was enough to seal all three points for automatic promotion chasing Watford as Barnsley’s poor start to 2021 continued.

To be fair to the reds, the fixtures haven’t been kind so far this year having recently faced the top three sides in the league. Points were always going to be hard to come by in January and I think a lot of fans got slightly carried away with Barnsley’s form leading to a slightly false position in the table.

The penalty awarded against Brittain for handball was correct under today’s rules. It was accidental as he had his arm outstretched to point but once it hits his arm then the referee has no choice but to award the penalty.

Walton got hands to the penalty but there was just too much power on it from Deeney for the young keeper to keep it out of the goal.

I must say I was very impressed with Deeney’s overall performance. The way he dropped off and some of his passing was very reminiscent of this season’s Harry Kane. Anyway I don’t really want to focus on the Watford players but more on Barnsley.

I have at times suggested that Barnsley aren’t very good to watch with their direct style of play, I have not so much criticised the style as we have got results from it and there is much to like about it but many games have been far from pleasing on the eye.

Last night was a little bit different, especially up until Watford scored. Barnsley knocked the ball about nicely and on the deck but struggled to create chances. I put that down more to how poor the front three were rather than the style of play. I do think there needs to be some sort of balance where we go direct but with purpose, no passing out from the back unnecessarily, but when it drops to us in possession in midfield or to the defenders when they have space and time then we should try and pass it about instead of just lumping it forward.

Mowatt was excellent last night; he got on the ball a lot more than in previous games and passed the ball well. Even though I don’t think Palmer played that well, I think it suited Mowatt more having Palmer alongside due to the way he plays and his mobility over Kane. I feel Palmer’s initial intention is to keep the ball moving with a quick, short, forward pass. I feel Kane’s initial intention is a Hollywood ball that is long and looks spectacular but very rarely comes off. Palmer also likes to get stuck in which I like about him.

There was a late appeal for a Barnsley penalty but for me even though there was minimal contact, it was a dive by Woodrow who had a poor evening in general. As did Chaplin and Adeboyejo who’s touch deserted him. Morris again made an impact when he came on and has a chance of starting the next league game.

Another one that I felt was poor was Andersen. We always look a bit suspect against pace with the high line but in general played the offside trap well last night. Watford did have a lot of joy in the channel between Andersen and Styles.

Andersen looked very shaky indeed. Perhaps the mistake from the previous game playing on his mind. His form in general has been excellent this season but he can’t afford many more poor performances or mistakes now that there is genuine competition for places within that backline. Sibbick in particular knocking at the door.

It was another game for me where there was no shame in defeat to another top six team. Overall we played quite well despite not creating much to trouble Watford.

Norwich in the FA cup next and with mid-week games either side then it’s a big decision for Ismael as to whether he rests some first team players who have played a lot of minutes lately or just plays his best side no matter what.

COYR