Roy Hodgson has never been relegated as a Premier League manager but his unblemished record is in grave danger with Watford facing demotion to the Championship after their ninth successive home defeat. Hodgson always knew the odds were stacked against him after returning to the dugout to replace Claudio Ranieri in January but this heavy loss leaves them needing a miracle.
Everton’s win over Manchester United earlier in the day only heightened the pressure on Watford to end a dismal winless home run, stretching back to November, but there is no end in sight to their home sickness after another dispiriting defeat. Hodgson appeared resigned to his team’s fate, though he insisted the scoreline was harsh. Ultimately, an abject performance in both boxes resulted in a somewhat flattering margin of victory for Leeds.
When asked about his confidence levels following the latest setback, Hodgson said: “I never use the word confident. I don’t want to set myself up for headlines or statements I can’t identify with. We have no reason to be confident.
We do however have reason to believe and have faith that we aren’t that bad and results are still a distinct possibility for us.”
Leeds appeared in major trouble themselves during the porous end to Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure but his successor, Jesse Marsch, has tightened them up defensively, with their third win in four games easing them towards safety. Marsch said: “I’m really excited that we were able to emerge from a tough moment in a really important game.
“The points were massive for us and there is confidence and momentum in the group. After six weeks, we can see the overall mentality of the group has grown so much and really helped us to get to where we are right now.”
Leeds started sharply and spurned an early opportunity when Luke Ayling powered a header over the crossbar from a corner. Watford responded by almost opening the scoring in the 14th minute but Imran Louza curled his free-kick just past Illan Meslier’s far post.
Cucho Hernández curled in another dangerous free-kick from the edge of the penalty area but Meslier touched the ball to safety as the hosts pushed for the breakthrough. But Leeds clinically punished Watford midway through the half. Samir failed to clear the ball and Raphinha took advantage with a stunning finish beyond Ben Foster for his 10th goal of the season.
Watford still appeared to be reliant on set-pieces to create openings, against a team whose last clean sheet was back in November, with Meslier punching Kiko Femenía’s corner to safety in the final action of the half. Leeds cut Watford open on the break after the restart with Raphinha playing in Dan James but Christian Kabasele thwarted the forward.
Kalvin Phillips continued his return to fitness with the England midfielder introduced just before the hour mark for Leeds. João Pedro blasted high and wide and Watford spurned another opportunity in quick succession with Ismaïla Sarr lacking composure. Watford were in the ascendancy, having their best spell of the match, but Juraj Kucka dragged a shot harmlessly wide as the home fans’ frustration grew.
Leeds, who achieved their first clean sheet in 18 league games, were content to soak up the pressure and play on the counterattack with Watford still struggling to find a finishing touch. Phillips almost made an immediate impact but his fierce strike from the edge of the area was parried to safety by Foster.
Watford’s profligacy proved costly and their hopes of a comeback were ended in disastrous fashion in the 74th minute, when Hassane Kamara and Samir failed to clear the danger and the Brazilian defender fumbled the ball into the path of Rodrigo for the forward to round Foster and slot into the empty net.
It was a calamitous goal for Hodgson’s side to concede and Jack Harrison’s powerful strike, his third in as many games, past the despairing dive of Foster, completed another miserable defeat in front of their fans. With only seven matches remaining and sitting six points from safety, time is almost up for Watford.
