{"remix_data":[],"remix_entry_point":"challenges","source_tags":["local"],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":false,"containsFTESticker":false}
Watford Boss Stuns Fans with “Midtable Premier League” Remark After Leeds’ 4-0 Hammering
Tom Cleverley watched his Watford team suffer a heavy 4-0 defeat at home to Leeds United at Vicarage Road.
Cleverley acknowledged that Leeds played at a level close to “midtable Premier League” standard as they dismantled his side. Watford struggled defensively, particularly in the first half, as Leeds exploited their counter-attacking style.
Dan James scored twice after breaking free on the counter, while Manor Solomon added a third with a deflected shot. Watford had brief moments of possession but were overwhelmed until midway through the second half when a brilliant team move was finished off by Joel Piroe.
Despite the heavy loss, Cleverley refused to criticize his players, instead focusing on the performance of Leeds as a benchmark for his team’s aspirations.
“We were up against one of the strongest sides in the Championship, possibly the best I’ve seen at this level,” Cleverley said. “This should inspire both the staff and players to aim for those kinds of heights. I believe all my players have the potential to reach that level, but it doesn’t happen overnight.”
He challenged his team to raise their intensity during the week, adding, “You can always do more. Watching a team at that level would inspire me to improve my own game and life in order to reach it. But these games won’t define our season.”
Cleverley emphasized that matches against teams like Middlesbrough and Luton will be the true measure of Watford’s season. He also acknowledged the current thin squad and the advantage Leeds had in terms of depth, noting, “They didn’t play on Saturday, whereas we did. Their squad is very expensive, so it’s not entirely fair to compare us to them.”
While assessing the goals, Cleverley absolved Edo Kayembe of blame for his pass to James, but criticized the defending on Solomon’s strike and the fourth goal.
“Kayembe was showing for the ball, and I’ll never criticize that,” Cleverley said. “He always wants the ball. If you lose possession in that situation, you must make tactical fouls.”
“We should have made a tactical foul for the second goal, and for the third, we should never concede a shot, let alone a goal, from a throw-in. I haven’t seen the fourth goal back, but it looked a bit soft. There are defensive areas we can improve.”
Cleverley also drew a comparison between Leeds’ performance and the one Watford faced in the FA Cup against Fulham in January.
“Defensively, we could have done better, but I’m not saying this to protect myself—there are no hidden agendas,” he said. “We saw what a midtable Premier League side looks like when we played Fulham in the cup, and Leeds tonight were very close to that level. They punished us heavily with their pace, quality, and caliber of players.”
