Blackburn’s recent run of good form came to a sudden halt, with Watford reversing their horrid running, destroying Rovers 4-0, leaving the travelling fans bewildered and shocked at what was an abysmal second half by a team fighting for survival.
Gary Bowyer made one change to the Rovers starting line up, David Dunn on for Jason Lowe.
Sandomierski
Kane, Givet, Dann, Markus O
Jones, WIlliamson, Dunn, King
Best, Rhodes
In what can only be described as a cagey first 20 minutes, neither team was able to create an opportunity, with the ball wedged in-between the two 18 yard boxes. David Dunn tried to work some magic, however the Watford defence was up to the task, scrambling to block his driving effort. David Jones wasted the first of two free kicks to come his way whilst Williamson toiled hard in midfield.
Down the other end, Forestieri showed signs of things to come, dancing through the Rovers midfield, finding Abdi who returned the favour, the Argentine’s effort straight at Sandomierski. A comical incident then occured 24 minutes in. After a halt in play due to injury, Josh King was about to send the ball back to Almunia from the drop ball. However, Doyley decided to intervene, sending the ball back to his unaware keeper who picked it up, an indirect free kick inside the 18 yard box followed. Fortunately for Almunia, Scott Dann could only find row Q of the grandstand.
Chances were few and far between, however Watford started to gain the ascendency heading into the break. Pudil found space down the left flank, Deeney heading his cross goal wards, Sandomierski making a fine reflex save. The rebound though struck Dann, the Polish keeper scrambling to make a second brilliant save.
0-0 Half TIme
Watford did not have to wait long for the opener, and once one went in, the floodgates opened.
Forestieri, who had dominated the midfield so far, split the gap, finding Deeney who took two brilliant touches, turning Givet before blasting into the far corner of the net. 1-0
Forestieri then played a hand in the second and third goals to put the result beyond doubt. The second was a brilliant through ball, splitting the Rovers defence, Deeney stabbing home past the on rushing Sandomierski. Forestieri was then at it again, a delicate chip found Abdi 10 yards out who then blasted into the roof of the net. 3-0
The fun and games weren’t over just yet as Watford claimed a fourth from a corner. Rekik failed to clear the cross, the ball falling to Briggs who slotted it home. 4-0
With the clock ticking away, Leon Best added to what was a terrible performance, head butting Cassetti off the ball, earning a Red card just before the final whistle blew
Player Ratings
Sandomierski
2-3 fine saves which kept us in it, until the first went in…
Kane
Decent performance from the young lad, liked to hit on the counter whilst did a job in defence
Givet
Not the Frenchman’s best game. Sloppy marking for 2 of the goals, looked out of shape
Dann
No control in defence. Would have left very disappointed after conceding all 4 goals through the heart of the defence
Markus O
Was our only real danger in attack, but struggled to handle the pace and skill of Abdi in defence
Jones
Poor performance. Wasted free kicks, lost the ball in possession and no attacking threat
Williamson
Sloppy with the ball, did work hard in defence though
Dunn
Limited opportunities to create and do what he likes best. Not the game for Dunny unfortunately
King
Only knows one direction, and thats forward. Ineffective, lost every attacking battle he had
Best
Unsighted until the 93rd minute, earns a red card. Well played Leon…
Rhodes
Must be frustrated up front. No service, no support…
