New Irons spirit so great to see

Watford v Irons match verdict

        by Hugh Southon

Imagine what might have happened had the Irons gone a goal behind via a sloppy mistake a few months back …it’s not hard to recall. We would have shown nothing and lost!

Yesterday there was a world of difference at Watford – who in reality are a tough team with some decent players.

Cheik Kouyate – playing out of position again – was caught out by former team mate Mauro Zarate, conceded a horrible penalty and put the team under pressure for a result.

But what we learned was probably more important than that because the Hammers dug in, refused to bend and in the second half more than deserved to take three points after Lanzini in particular turned on the style and the team played some fabulous football.

Apart from a very silly handball from Antonio after he had produced a top performance there was nothing about which to complain.

But his second yellow and a red as a result has put the pressure on an Andy Carroll return against Chelsea as I’m not sure Jonathon Calleri will prove the answer do you?

But that’s an issue for later because yesterday the lads showed again just how far they have travelled under Slaven since Dimitri Payet mutiny and strike.

His departure has seen Manu step right up to the plate and with Feghouli rising to the challenge after a slow start, Snodgrass looking influential and Antonio as tough for oppositon defences to handle as ever, things look absolutely fine.

It was also great to see Aaron Cresswell back to his best and Jose Fonte is looking decent although in a second half chase back looked leggy before eventually getting in a last ditch tackle.

It’s unfair though to look to closely at individuals as the team as a whole is starting to match their new spirit with new ability.

That we came away moaning about missing out on three points after that early setback against a workmanlike and not untalented team is very encouraging after what’s gone on earlier this campaign.

We look in good shape.

ClaretandHugh meanhile sends its very best to Mauro Zarate after he suffered what looks like a horrible injury – get well soon mate.