Watford began their Championship campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Crawley Town, but the result masked a performance full of missed chances and defensive concerns. After 98 minutes of relentless pressure, Marc Bola's stunning winner secured the points, but the Hornets will know they should have won more comfortably. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 16th in Championship, 57 pts, 14W-15D-17L from 46 games, recent form LLLLL.
What went right for Watford?
Despite the narrow scoreline, Watford dominated possession and created numerous chances. Alessio Dionisi's side looked bright and threatening, continuing the positive signs from pre-season. The Italian coach has clearly implemented a recognisable style of play, with the team pressing high and moving the ball quickly. Marc Bola, glowing of the coach's impact, intimated afterwards that the Hornets would likely have dropped their heads and lost this tie on penalties last season.
What are the concerns?
While Watford's performance was largely positive, there were areas for improvement. Dionisi admitted that the basketball-style second half was not to his taste, and the team's profligacy in front of goal was a concern. The full-back emphasised the new boss' "huge" impact and appeared genuinely enthused by what he was being asked to do both on and off the pitch. Set-pieces also remain a major concern, with Crawley's best chance coming from an innocuous delivery in the first half.
What's next for Watford?
The increasingly urgent hunt for centre-backs feels the most likely sticking point. Dionisi is banging on the recruitment team's door every day as they aim to bolster a department that is painfully thin. Luke Dowling confirmed that it is not plan A to wait as long as possible for Stephen Mfuni, Max Alleyne, or an equivalent premium loan. Next fixture: vs Stoke City (away, 2027-02-13) (17th in the table).
