Tom Cleverley hails Watford’s character as they bounce back to beat Millwall

Posted Saturday, August 10, 2024 by PA

Watford boss Tom Cleverley hailed his side’s character as they bounced back from letting a two-goal lead slip to beat Millwall 3-2 at The Den.

The Hornets went 2-0 up thanks to goals from Edo Kayembe and Giorgi Chakvetadze either side of the break but were pegged back by a Duncan Watmore double late on that looked to see the spoils shared.

But Mileta Rajovic popped up in the 90th minute to grab a dramatic winner and clinch an opening-day three points for Cleverley’s men.

He said: “It’s never an easy place to come – we expected the start of the game to go how it did, to be competitive.

“We got a real foothold and scored the first goal. We cut through them at times and created more opportunities. The second goal was probably against the run of play.

“We showed huge character to come back after conceding the two goals.

“We didn’t manage the game how we would like to. No-one was hiding, all the players wanted the ball, just technical mistakes led to the goals and we’ll get better at that with work and belief.

“I can’t fault the character of the players in controlling the ball.”

Striker Rajovic made the perfect start to his campaign after 11 goals last term in his debut season.

The Dane came off the bench to grab the winner and Cleverley revealed it has given him a selection headache ahead of three consecutive home games across cup and league action.

He added: “Mileta has smelled the chance coming, took the risk and got in a great position to score the goal. All I can ask is for him to put his neck forward and make my decision (about who to pick) as hard as possible.

“It is a good chance heading into three home games, for us to get that momentum of a winning culture.

“First things first we have to outperform last season and get in the top 10. It’s about working hard on the training field and not celebrating these wins, because I want them to become the norm.”

While Cleverley was pleased with the way his side responded to adversity, Millwall boss Neil Harris was left ruing the way his side let their hard work be undone at the death.

He said: “I don’t think we settled very well at the start. We looked very emotional in our decision-making and I really understand that – it was tough for all of us today.

“We went behind to a goal that doesn’t belong in under-12s football, let alone first-team football at The Den.

“I spoke to the boys about a little bit more bravery and second half we were excellent. We played really, really well. The second goal was a sucker-punch – like the first – because they hadn’t got in our final third until that moment.

“Getting back to 2-2 we were bold and brave with the ball. You think here we go, we’ve got the momentum and the place is rocking. I’m just really disappointed with my group for the manner of the third goal as well – it’s really poor by us.

“I won’t make excuses for people. Obviously it was emotionally difficult today, did we get wrapped up in that at the end? Possibly.

“But I do expect better traits from my Millwall team than that.”