Watford

Watford 0-0 Tottenham
Watford remained winless in 10 league games after a lively, goalless draw against Tottenham at Vicarage Road. Hornets winger Tommy Smith rued a wasted opportunity with an amazing miss from just three yards out after just seven minutes. And Ashley Young's goal for the home side was controversially ruled out for offside just before the break. Tottenham's Aaron Lennon was denied four times while Robbie Keane saw his effort cleared off the line late on. Although Watford have yet to register a win since promotion to the Premiership, it wasn't due to lack of chances on Saturday. The Hornets really should have been at least two-up by the break, after book-ending the first half with prime chances. Smith set the mood seven minutes in with his miss from practically point blank range, shooting over an open goal after Danny Shittu brilliantly pulled back a cross from the right. The home side had even more reason to feel this was not to be their day when Ashley Young's goal was disallowed in a controversial off-side decision five minutes before half-time. Despite looking the more dangerous, Watford could not match Spurs for possession and keeper Ben Foster had to be at his best to deny a sparkling Lennon three times in the first half. With Jermain Defoe on the bench after his arm-nibbling antics on West Ham's Javier Mascherano last week, it was up to Keane to spearhead the Spurs attack with Dimitar Berbatov. And the Republic of Ireland international was unlucky to miss out seven minutes after the break when his attempt to slip the ball past the right post was denied by a Jay DeMerit back-heel. But it was Lennon, who looked most likely to score, being denied yet again by keeper Foster in the 75th minute after another maze-like run into the box. With this in mind, Defoe coming on for Keane shortly after was no surprise as manager Martin Jol sought to spice up this side's attack. But it seemed too little too late with Tottenham unable to turn their superior possession into goals and Watford settling for the sixth draw in the Premiership this season. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Watford: Foster, Doyley, DeMerit, Shittu, Stewart, Smith, Mahon, Francis, Bouazza, Henderson, Young. Subs Not Used: Lee, Mackay, Powell, Bangura, Priskin. Booked: DeMerit, Bouazza, Mahon. Tottenham: Robinson, Chimbonda, King, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Jenas, Huddlestone, Ghaly (Murphy 67), Keane (Defoe 76), Berbatov. Subs Not Used: Cerny, Davids, Gardner. Booked: Jenas. Att: 19,660 Ref: U Rennie (S Yorkshire).

Watford v Middlesbrough
Watford goalkeeper Richard Lee is on stand-by as first-choice Ben Foster is struggling with a twisted knee. Forward Marlon King is rated at 50-50 after missing three matches with a knee injury, but defender Clarke Carlisle remains sidelined with a thigh injury. Middlesbrough defender Andrew Davies could return after a back spasm. But Stuart Parnaby is out with a foot injury, Mark Viduka has two broken toes and the game comes too soon for Ugo Ehiogu after an Achilles problem. Watford (from): Foster, Lee, Doyley, DeMerit, Shittu, Stewart, Mackay, Powell, Mariappa, Smith, Mahon, Francis, Bouazza, Spring, Bangura, McNamee, Young, Henderson, King, Priskin, Jarrett. Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Turnbull, Davies, Bates, Woodgate, Huth, Pogatetz, Taylor, Arca, Boateng, Cattermole, Morrison, Rochemback, Downing, Mendieta, Euell, Yakubu, Maccarone. # Watford captain Gavin Mahon: \"The quality is there, but it is time to stop talking and start doing . \"In too many games, we have had four or five players producing seven, eight or nine out of 10 performances, and the rest of the team have just been getting through it. \"In this league, that is not good enough. You need to have eight or nine players on top of their game, and then you can help one or two of the lads who are having a bad day. \"But you can't carry five or six - not in this standard of football.\" # Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate: \"I have an honest group of players and I expect a reaction from them on Saturday. \"We know what a let down Monday was and we want to put that right at Watford. We didn't start well and we didn't match Manchester City's desire. \"The players were disappointed and they are raring to put it right.\"

Watford v Newcastle
Richard Lee will continue to deputise for regular Watford keeper Ben Foster, who is recovering from a knee injury. Dominic Blizzard, Tamas Priskin and Albert Jarrett stand by if boss Adie Boothroyd opts to rest senior players. Newcastle could be boosted by the return of attacking midfielder Antoine Sibierski from a toe injury. Goalkeeper Shay Given may travel after recovering from abdominal surgery but is unlikely to feature, with Steve Harper again ready to deputise. Watford (from): Lee, Doyley, DeMerit, Shittu, Stewart, Mackay, Powell, Mariappa, Smith, Mahon, Francis, Bouazza, Spring, Bangura, McNamee, Young, Henderson, Priskin, Jarrett, Chamberlain, Blizzard. Newcastle (from): Harper, Srnicek, Given, Carr, Taylor, Ramage, Babayaro, Huntington, Moore, Bramble, Parker, Emre, Solano, N'Zogbia, Milner, Pattison, Duff, Rossi, Sibierski, Luque, Carroll, Butt.

Chelsea 4-0 Watford
In-form Didier Drogba fired a brilliant hat-trick as champions Chelsea outclassed Watford at Stamford Bridge. Drogba opened the scoring after 27 minutes when he finished from close range after Geremi's cross. The Ivorian made it 2-0 after a one-two with Andriy Shevchenko before providing the pass for his strike partner to round the keeper and tap home. And Drogba capped another impressive individual display on 69 minutes when he converted another Geremi cross. It took Drogba's tally for the season to 14 and saw him overtake Portsmouth's Kanu as the Premiership's top scorer. The margin of victory also helped the Blues close the gap in goal difference to Premiership leaders Manchester United - and the four-goal hammering was nothing more than they deserved. Before kick-off, a laughing Jose Mourinho bore the air of a man who fully expected his team to run out winners, and his players mirrored that attitude. They stroked the ball around with supreme confidence and while a bustling Watford side did their best to break the champions' rhythm, they never really looked like causing an upset. Drogba had already had a couple of half-chances before he eventually opened the scoring. Shevchenko miskicked Geremi's cross but the ball ran through for the Ivorian to stab home from six yards. Seven minutes later, the champions could afford to switch to cruise control when Drogba snatched his second. Dan Shittu failed to track Drogba's run after he laid the ball off to Shevchenko and the striker was free in the box to tuck away the return pass. A rush of blood to the head from Michael Ballack almost gave Watford an unexpected lifeline before half-time. The German midfielder inexplicably clattered into Jordan Stewart with the ball long gone and from the free-kick, Shittu saw his shot cannon off Carlo Cudicini's feet. To their credit, Watford continued to commit players in attack after the break and Ashley Young saw his cross flash across goal beyond the reach of Darius Henderson. But normal service was quickly resumed as Chelsea effortlessly extended their lead. Drogba and Shevchenko were involved again, this time the Ivorian providing a fabulous pass for his strike partner to round Foster and tap into the empty net. With Watford's players demoralised, Chelsea began to create more and more chances and it was no surprise when Drogba completed his hat-trick - his second of the season. Geremi escaped down the right and as Watford's defence stood and watched, Drogba stole in to convert the cross and complete a miserable day for the Hornets.

Boothroyd fears rap over ref jibe
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd has refused to back down after his weekend outburst at referee Chris Foy. Boothroyd was furious after Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth, claiming poor officials should be \"put in the stocks and hit with tomatoes for a week\". And Boothroyd remains in unrepentant mood, admitting: \"I expect I am in trouble already but I am not letting this go. \"I don't mean send them to jail but we pay for poor decisions, why not them?\" Foy was the target of Boothroyd's tirade after he awarded Pompey a last-minute penalty that Lomana LuaLua scored to deny the Hornets a draw. Boothroyd also claimed his side had been denied two confident spot-kick shouts and he said: \"The least I expect is a bit of consistency. \"I didn't ask the referee round to dinner. I just made a statement - not a question - which had an exclamation mark at the end. \"I will be speaking to (referees' chief) Keith Hackett because I want to see something done. \"I was one of the first to support referees and say they deserved the help of technology with major decisions but when they are poor there has to be more than a couple of weeks demotion for them.\" Boothroyd's comments come just days after Graham Poll was lambasted by Chelsea players for his performance in the Blues' 2-1 defeat to Tottenham.

Watford v Reading
Watford will be without captain Gavin Mahon as their influential midfielder must serve a one-match ban for picking up five bookings this season. But veteran defender Chris Powell is available after returning from a ban. Reading skipper Graeme Murty and winger Seol Ki-Hyeon face late fitness tests on toe injuries. Stephen Hunt (hamstring) and Kevin Doyle (thigh) have been passed fit to play but the Royals are still without Bobby Convey and Dave Kitson. Watford (from): Lee, Chamberlain, Chambers, Shittu, DeMerit, Powell, Doyley, Stewart, Mariappa, Mackay, Smith, Spring, Francis, Bouazza, McNamee, Bangura, Jarrett, Henderson, Young, Priskin. Reading (from): Hahnemann, Murty, Gunnarsson, Bikey, de la Cruz, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Shorey, Little, Sidwell, Harper, Hunt, Oster, Seol, Doyle, Lita, Long, Federici. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd: \"I think Monday's draw away at Manchester City may prove to be a turning point. \"That point will only prove to be a good one if we follow it up with a win and then put together a good run. \"Steve Coppell has done a terrific job there and they will come to Vicarage Road in good form.\" Reading manager Steve Coppell on injury problems: \"If you are unfortunate with injuries the transfer window means you can't do anything about it. \"If you do get a run of injuries in one position then you can be struggling. \"We are still vulnerable to that but we have a lot of flexible players and that gives us a cushion. If it is enough of a cushion only time will tell.\"

Newcastle v Watford
Newcastle are boosted by the return from injury of Kieron Dyer, Scott Parker and Emre while Damien Duff (knee) could also be in the squad. Antoine Sibierski has shaken off an Achilles problem, but Charles N'Zogbia has joined a nine-strong injury list. Watford welcome back captain Gavin Mahon from suspension but on-loan keeper Ben Foster remains sidelined with a knee injury. Marlon King (knee) and Clarke Carlisle (thigh) are long-term absentees. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Newcastle (from): Given, Srnicek, Taylor, Ramage, Huntington, Babayaro, Parker, Butt, Emre, Milner, Duff, Pattison, Troisi, Gate, Edgar, Martins, Dyer, Sibierski, Luque, Rossi, Carroll. Watford (from): Lee, Chamberlain, Chambers, Shittu, DeMerit, Stewart, Powell, Mackay, Doyley, Mariappa, Smith, Francis, Bangura, Bouazza, Mahon, Spring, McNamee, Young, Henderson, Priskin, Jarrett. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder: \"In a strange way you could argue the injuries we have had have actually made the squad stronger. \"They are a tight-knit squad anyway, they do get on ever so well around the training ground and some of them socialise outside the training ground. \"You can sense a real willingness from the injured players for the team to win the next game.\" Watford defender James Chambers: \"The key for us is to stay positive. \"When you are at the bottom of the table, it is easy to feel sorry for yourself, and I have been through that before at West Brom. \"At times like these, you need to keep your spirits up and dig in, because it really does only need one result to turn around a season.\"

Newcastle 2-1 Watford
Two second half goals by Obafemi Martins made it four wins in five Premiership games for Newcastle and left Watford bottom of the table. The first half was poor, brightened only by long-range efforts by Watford's Darius Henderson and Jordan Stewart. Martins nodded Newcastle ahead before Hameur Bouazza levelled when he poked in Henderson's goalbound flick. Watford were marginally the better side until Adrian Mariappa deflected Damien Duff's cross to Martins to thump home. Watford began positively, but lacked any real punch, so it fell to Newcastle's Kieron Dyer to launch the first meaningful attack of the game with a dipping shot from outside the box, which was blocked by the legs of Richard Lee. Nicky Butt should have done better with a shot off target as the game started to tilt Newcastle's way, but there was precious little to excite the home fans before the break. After a long period of inactivity, Shay Given had to be at his best to keep out Henderson's shot on the turn and Stewart's optimistic long-range bouncing lob as Watford had the two best chances of the half. But it was no surprise that the scores were level at the break, given the overall quality of the match. Watford began the second half much brighter, with Alhassan Bangura and Bouazza both having early chances. But Martins' goal caught Watford off-guard, as the Nigerian got on the end of James Milner's right-wing cross to head home after good build-up work by Butt. However, the lead was short-lived, as Bouazza poked home Henderson's flick-on from Ashley Young's corner, despite a good shout for obstruction on Given. Both sides' desire for all three points ensured a nervous finale, with Milner on the right integral to many of Newcastle's threats. But when the match-winner came, it was down the left, with replacement Duff supplying a deflected cross for Martins to pick his spot and net his sixth Premiership goal of the season. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd: \"The performance was good and there were a lot of positives that point to us winning. \"We have improved since we have come into this division and we need to keep doing that. \"When we play as well as we have in this game you expect to win but we didn't. \"I am surrounded by a tough group of players and we have to keep going and keep fighting.\"

Watford 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal moved third in the Premiership thanks to a late Robin van Persie winner at a heartbroken Watford. Arsenal took the lead against the run of play when Gilberto Silva nodded in at the far post, but Watford hit back when Tommy Smith lashed in a shot. Watford tested a struggling Arsenal while having keeper Ben Foster to thank for keeping out shots from Emmanuel Adebayor and Justin Hoyte. Arsenal pressed for a late winner and Van Persie obliged with a curling shot. There had been enough endeavour and enterprise about Watford's start to suggest a goalscoring threat and Arsenal were quickly forced on to the backfoot. The Hornets looked especially menacing from set-pieces and Arsenal's young and inexperienced defence looked suspect if the home side could find the quality to take advantage. But, despite their early pressure, Watford had Foster to thank for keeping them level as he twice saved angled strikes from Van Persie after Arsenal counter-attacks. A similar Van Persie effort went agonisingly wide before Watford striker Ashley Young's eyes lit up as a clear sight of goal opened up in front of him. Watford winger Tommy Smith (left) equalised for his side against Arsenal Smith's industry was a threat to Arsenal and he notched a goal for his efforts Young's shot was blocked by the last-ditch sliding tackle of Gilberto, who then raced up the other end to nod in at the far post after a corner was flicked on by Kolo Toure. Watford refused to buckle and continued to attack, a looped Young effort forcing Gunners keeper Jens Lehmann to scramble across his goal and palm the ball away. The resilience of the home side brought a deserved equaliser with Hameur Bouazza's surging run and deflected cross being powerfully lashed in by Smith. The Hornets were applauded off at half-time but almost let themselves down shortly after the interval. Tomas Rosicky left Watford right-back Adrian Mariappa trailing as he burst through on the Watford goal only to have his stabbed shot blocked by Foster. There were signs of panic from Arsenal as the game wore on, before the visitors finally started to exert some pressure with flashes of their familiar fluid football. Foster again had to come to his side's rescue when he spread himself to keep out an Adebayor shot with his legs and then palmed away an angled Hoyte drive. Arsenal scented a win and Julio Baptista and Adebayor shot just wide as the visitors produced a late surge. Watford struggled as Arsenal upped their game and eventually caved in when substitute Theo Walcott released Van Persie, who cut in from the right and curled a shot in at the far post for the winner. # Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd: \"That game should have finished 1-1 and we didn't lock it up as we should have done. \"We lose a player who was outstanding in Hameur Bouazza and it turns the game in many ways. \"We will just keep going, get that momentum and string some results together and make it exciting.\" # Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: \"Robin van Persie has developed into a team player now. \"He works very hard and in this game created more chances in the first half. In the second he had one and scored. \"He did it in a great style and there is some Bergkamp in there in the way he finishes - he is open-footed, strikes it cleanly and makes quick decisions.\" Watford: Foster, Mariappa, Shittu (Priskin 90), DeMerit, Stewart, Smith, Mahon, Bangura, McNamee (Henderson 77), Young, Bouazza (Francis 69). Subs Not Used: Lee, Doyley. Booked: Francis. Goals: Smith 23. Arsenal: Lehmann, Hoyte, Toure, Djourou (Senderos 46), Clichy, Hleb (Walcott 71), Fabregas, Silva, Rosicky (Julio Baptista 79), Van Persie, Adebayor. Subs Not Used: Almunia, Flamini. Goals: Silva 19, Van Persie 83. Att: 19,750 Ref: M Dean (Wirral).

Fulham v Watford
Fulham boss Chris Coleman welcomes back striker Heidar Helguson for the visit of Watford to Craven Cottage. Helguson returns after suspension and will be added to the squad which earned a 2-2 draw with champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd has no new injury worries following Saturday's abandoned match against Wigan. However, Marlon King (knee), Hameur Bouazza (shoulder) and Clarke Carlisle (thigh) are still out of contention. Fulham (from): Niemi, Batista, Volz, Bocanegra, Queudrue, Christanval, Rosenior, Brown, Radzinski, John, Helguson, McBride, Routledge, Omozusi, Zakuani, Boa Morte, Runstrom. Watford (from): Foster, Lee, Mariappa, DeMerit, Shittu, Stewart, Doyley, Mackay, Powell, Smith, Mahon, Bangura, McNamee, Spring, Francis, Jarrett, Young, Priskin, Henderson

Watford boss faces Young battle
Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd fears he may struggle to keep Ashley Young after rejecting several bids for the England Under-21 winger. Boothroyd has turned down a £5m bid from one Premiership club, along with offers from two others for Young, 21. The Watford boss said: "As it stands today, I absolutely do not see him leaving the club this month. "If and when the time is right he will go, but the price has to be right and it has to improve the club." The talented winger signed a new four-and-a-half year contract with Watford in January 2006. Young came through the youth ranks at Watford and made his debut in September 2003. He was a key player as Watford sealed their Premiership status, scoring 12 goals during the regular season, and one in the play-off semi-finals.

Watford reveal Young snubbed move
Watford have confirmed they accepted a bid from another Premiership club for Ashley Young but that the 21-year-old refused to discuss personal terms. West Ham were reported to have succeeded with a £9.65m offer. "We have stated many times over that we have no need or desire to sell Ashley Young, or any of our players," said Hornets chairman Graham Simpson. "But having given due consideration to all of the factors I felt that this offer was right for the club." Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Young and with West Ham out of the chase, Tottenham may also renew their interest. The Hornets had already turned down an initial offer of £7m from West Ham before the Hammers returned with a renewed bid of £8m plus £1.65m based on clauses. Speaking last week, Hornets boss Aidy Boothroyd indicated he would be willing to sell Young - but only at a price which he deemed appropriate. "There are players out there who have gone for £8m-plus who do not have what he has," he said. "Ashley is the trump card in the Premiership. There are not many players outside the top four clubs who are better than him."

Crewe sign Watford winger McNamee
Watford winger Anthony McNamee and midfielder Albert Jarrett have both left Vicarage Road on loan. McNamee has joined League One side Crewe in a deal running until the end of the season. The 23-year-old has made just 10 appearances for Watford this season, scoring once in the FA Cup. Meanwhile, Jarrett, 22, who has just ended a loan spell with Boston, will get the chance of further first-team football after joining the MK Dons.

Watford will fight to keep King
Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd will fight "tooth and nail" to stop striker Marlon King leaving the club in the summer. King, 26, who has been out with a knee injury since October as Watford fight against relegation, has been linked to Aston Villa, Blackburn and Bolton. "I don't want Marlon to go anywhere," Boothroyd told the Watford Observer. "You don't get rid of your best players unless you're offered ridiculous money. Marlon is one of our best players and I'll fight tooth and nail to keep him." A move to Villa would reunite King and Ashley Young, who was sold for £9.65m in January. But Boothroyd added: "Ashley was a different kettle of fish. "We are, and always will be, a selling club because we can't compete with Manchester United or Chelsea but we will do all we can to keep our best players." King scored 22 goals for the Hornets last season as they were promoted to the Premiership via the Championship play-offs. He scored two goals this season before suffering a knee injury in mid-October that eventually required surgery, ruling him out of the current Premiership campaign. Watford have struggled in his absence and their total of 19 goals this season is less than any other top-flight team.

Ferguson hails Man Utd resilience
Sir Alex Ferguson praised the grit of his Manchester United side after the 4-1 FA Cup semi-final win over Watford. United had to reshuffle after defender Rio Ferdinand went off injured and Ferguson said the win was as good as the 7-1 Champions League win over Roma. "It was a fantastic performance," said United boss Ferguson. "It was as good as Tuesday in terms of the endurance, the courage, accepting the disappointment with Ferdinand when we had to change the team." He added: "It was absolutely magnificent, I was so proud." United winger Cristiano Ronaldo was again on the scoresheet and Ferguson praised his goalscoring exploits as well as the contribution of strikers Wayne Rooney and Alan Smith. "Wayne Rooney had his best game of the season, he was absolutely fantastic," said Ferguson. "Alan Smith has brought a breath of fresh life to the team. He is doing fantastically for us. "It was Cristiano's 21st goal and he could go on to score 25, the form he is in." United legend Denis Law paid Ronaldo the ultimate tribute of putting the Portuguese star on a par with United legend George Best. "The way he's playing he could go on to become United's greatest player. He's so exciting," Law told SSB. "And when you have Rooney with him as well, that's a formidable duo. They could go on and win everything. "It's very difficult to compare Ronaldo and George Best, but if Bestie played in this team, they'd be on a par." Law added that he believed United could win three trophies this season. "This team has got everything. There's a great chance they can do the Treble," he said. "They're in the final of the FA Cup, I think they're a certainty to win the league so it's a matter of if they play well in the Champions League semi-final against Milan." Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd believes the scoreline flattered United. "They were just too strong for us and we didn't take our chances when we had that great little period in the second half," he said. "It wasn't as one-sided as the scoreline suggests."

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