Watford ignored Javi Gracia's tactics to beat Spurs, says Troy Deeney

Posted Tuesday, September 04, 2018 by squawka.com

Watford captain Troy Deeney says that his side went against Javi Gracia's training recommendations to overcome Spurs at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

The Hornets continued their perfect start to the Premier League season after coming from behind to beat Spurs 2-1.

Both of Watford's goals were headers from set pieces, with Deeney and Craig Cathcart both heading in following well-worked set-piece routines and impressive deliveries from Jose Holebas.

But Deeney has now revealed that the two routines which they scored from did not come as a result of Gracia's instructions, with the players instead opting to use their own instincts instead.

"The gaffer has got to take credit," he told the BBC.

"He's worked a lot on the set-pieces. Funnily enough, the two that he's worked on we didn't do.

"We just ignored him and went our own way and the ball fell for us. The players have got to take credit for that.

"If we would have missed he would have hammered us!"

Watford are now third in the Premier League table, level on points with both Liverpool and Chelsea, having won all four of their opening games – but with an inferior goal difference as it stands.

Up next for the Hornets is a tough home tie against Manchester United.

Deeney's role in maintaining Watford's perfect start
Deeney had very little impact in the opening stages of the match on Sunday, with Spurs dominating possession and controlling the game.

But after Spurs took the lead thanks to an own goal from Abdoulaye Doucoure, the Watford captain lifted his side with his own performance, showing desire on and off the ball and scoring the equaliser with a powerful header.

Deeney also won nine aerial battles against Spurs, his second highest return in a single game so far this season.