West Bromwich Albion 1 - Watford 0

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Ratings submitted so far: 13

Brendan Clegg:

Solid win that - it took everything to get over the line but we did it and it bodes well. We’d have lost or drawn that in recent previous seasons.

Mozza made some changes which were a bit risky but his explanation afterwards - to ensure everyone is involved but also to make sure they remain match ready - is a really good ex-player’s perspective.

Those old enough to remember the Mowbray season with the best midfield in the world also had a lot of rotation in it - 4 strikers and 6 midfielders who all offered something and who came in and out regularly.

With how well we are coached it seems possible, but doing it with players who are also very new to the league or young is also risky.

I felt that showed in the game - we were not as cohesive or dominant and there were some individual errors as we looked to pass it around. We definitely got away with one in the opening minutes and needed a big O’Leary save.

In the middle, Rabby looked brilliant on the ball but positionally not as well drilled yet, so we saw gaps and Watford got into them. It also gave Diakite a lot more to do.

Our goal was a lovely move - neat from Whitwell, 2 clever quick touches on the juggle from Price to get him away and the two of them surged forward to set up Morgan who nipped in for a goalscorers finish.

We did enough to be ahead at halftime and after the break Rabby was clearly told to sit deeper and take fewer risks so we were more counter-punchy.

Despite Watford having more ball we cut them open a couple of times - once where we put a ball across their six yard box that had to be finished but Heggebo was nowhere and another where he was put in very cleverly but a heavy first touch meant the finish was too difficult. You’ve got to score those. Thankfully we didn’t pay for it.

Mozza got his subs right, giving us energy and grit where needed and we got over the line despite some nervy moments.

A special word for the referee who was atrocious. How do they get this far in the game?

• O’Leary - 7 doing everything asked of him, well coached to his maximum level and a free is a bargain
• Galves - 8 My MOTM. Not our best player but they targeted him all game, put it on him and also he took a couple of really poor challenges. He stood up to it all, showed his fight and got forward brilliantly.
• Mepham - 7 thought he did okay and is better on the ball than Phillips whilst not being as aggressive in the air
• Campbell - 6 Dodgy on the ball a few times but his pace and leadership are essential
• Styles - 7 Another reliable game.
• Whitwell - 8 Has got such great feet but it’s upstairs where more and more he stands out. Sees everything half a second faster than everyone else.
• Rabby - 7 Excited by his ability. Lots tactically to sharpen up on.
• Diakite - 6 Had a lot more to do than normal and had to hold back after the booking.
• Price - 7 just so durable. Some brilliant touches and some frustrating sloppiness.
• Morgan - 7 another goal and constant running and aggression
• Heggebø - 5 Usual work horse but had to do better with chances

• Molumby - 7 Brought game know-how
• The Horn - 6 gave us energy
• Stewart - 6 Solid showing. Promising
• Phillips- 6 no nonsense

Another tough game coming up but with this team, you can’t wait for the next one!

Ancient Baggie:

It's a strange game, arguably we didn't play as well as we have in the last three games but we came away with the three points. After a sloppy start I think we pretty much bossed the first half without looking as fluid with the ball as we have been, that was until a really slick move ended with Morgan bundling the ball in.

Second half we dropped off a bit and Watford came into the game a bit more and created a few half chances that we dealt with solidly enough to see out the win.

I'm sure it's going to take Mozzer a few weeks or more to work out his best combinations in various positions but the encouraging thing is we seem to have recruited a lot of really good young talented players who are good to watch and thats a million times better than the dross we were subjected to for a lot of last season.

Saturdays are fun again

COYB