Hughie hands out his marks
Fabianski: Two remarkable saves at the end, a couple of routine during the game and no chance with the goal, Good afternoon for the keeper 7+
Coufal: Would like to have seen some better delivery into the box and one or two small errors but his game is coming back 6+
Diop: Some seriously worrying moments and at times genuinely looked lost 4
Dawson: Went to earth far too easily for the opening Watford goal and moments of concern 5
Johnson: No complaints defensively but little down the left offensively 6
Noble: Scored the pen with usual aplomb and had a great game generally in midfield 8
Soucek: Lovely goal from a great assist by Bowen and looked much better when he got forward 6+
Bowen: Clear man if the match and took on the Declan Rice all action role. Two assists and non stop. Superb 10
Benrahma: Nice goal, hit the bar and looked much better this afternoon 7
Lanzini: Has added serious work rate to his game and looked in really good nick, helping out at midfield defence and getting forward well 7
Antonio: Great chance – well saved to add a fifth near the end – and a fine assist for Benny’s goal. Looking far more like his old self 7+
Subs
Masuaku: One or two crosses and that was about it 4
Vlasic: Looked threatening from moment he came on and draws plenty of fouls. Good to see him score his first goal for the club 6+
Kral: On for appearance money maybe close to extra time No rating
I would have Lanzini at a 4. He disappeared in the second half when we needed him to close the game down. Hope Johnson’s injury is not too major. Explains why Masuaku was preferred at left back against Southampton…was always going to be a risk that we had to play Johnson too much on his way back from injury.
Vlasic goal a real bonus for his confidence. It seems Bowen is keying in Antonio again which is great. Benrahma getting in the box at last instead of the wasted long shot. Like it a lot.
Tomas was at least the equal of Nobes today. Good forward runs down both channels and covered SO much ground. Ran Bowen a close second for MOTM in my opinion.
Yup
I too thought Thomas Soucek had one of his best games for a long time. Noble sat back and allowed Thomas to get forwards. Good to see Vlasic score too and pull out the old crossed hammers.