A frenetic encounter second half saw Fulham peg back Watford for a share of the spoils, securing a 1-1 draw at a rain-drenched Craven Cottage.
The clash was tipped to be an open one and it took only 90 seconds for it to lift-off. Watford's Andre Gray was the
A free flowing first period followed, in which the Hornets
On the other side of half time, Fulham returned with renewed vigour having made a double change and altered their formation, an alternation which proved vital in creating the chance for
Check out our breakdown of the game below.
FULHAM
Key Talking Point
Promotion to the top flight comes with a multitude of challenges, but the quest for survival so often relies on defensive stability and the ability to pick up clean sheets. And so far Fulham have yet to prove convincing in this facet of the game.
The Cottagers had been breached 12 times prior to kick off on Saturday, the most of any league side - and it took all of 90 seconds before it was made 13 - the second game in succession whereby Marcus
Fulham's approach makes it so they'll either inflict damage on another team or find themselves on the wrong end of a hiding. However, more stability and concentration across the back-line is needed to ensure they're not starting on the back foot more often than not this season.
Player Ratings
Starting XI:
Substitutes: Odio (6), Ayite (6), Anguissa (6).
STAR MAN - Mitrovic was the man to secure Fulham's equaliser and was the clear avenue to goal for the home side for much of the clash. He proved to be a threat when in and around the box and could have even handed his side the victory after finding the crossbar with a header with only minutes left on the clock.
WORST PLAYER - Alfie Mawson struggled to handle the physicality of the Hornets' leading men and looked uncomfortable throughout in his unnatural position of Fulham's right sided centre back.
A shocking mistake early in the first term also saw him gift Gray the opportunity to score his second of the afternoon, but thankfully for him his blushes were spared on that occasion. The 24-year-old was off the pace from the start and was duly pulled from contest at half time.
Already had grave concerns that Chambers wasn’t good enough & Mawson is following suit in what was a shocking 45 minutes defensively. Surely Ream, when fit, must be given a go #FFC
— Stephen Gutteridge (@Steve6utteridge) September 22, 2018
I highly-rate Alfie Mawson but he’s had one of the worst home Premier League debuts I’ve seen so far. He can’t be as bad in the second half. #FFC #FULWAT
— Dan Tyler (@dantyler90) September 22, 2018
Mawson's playing that bad I can only assume he's going to rip off his Fulham shirt Hulk Hogan style to reveal a Watford one underneath. #FULWAT pic.twitter.com/cSOuNPA8YM
— Patrick James Clough (@PatrickJClough) September 22, 2018
Struggling to believe that Mawson and Chambers have played football before
— ⚫️⚪️ (@FFC_1996) September 22, 2018
WATFORD
Key Talking Point
The Hornets continued to show the power of consistency after starting the game with an unchanged XI for the sixth consecutive time this season - only the fifth club in league history to do so.
From the first whistle the Hornets' intensity was a level above their opponents in the opening 45 as they quickly showcased their chemistry against a side who is still noticeably finding their feet as a unit following a summer of change.
Watford's early season form has undoubtedly surprised many and their ability to maintain the same formation with the same personnel has been key to their early success.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Foster (6); Janmaat (6), Cathcart (6), Kabasele (6), Holebas (6); Hughes (7), Doucoure (8), Capoue (7), Pereyra (6); Deeney (8), Gray (7).
Substitutes: Femenia (6), Success (6).
STAR MAN - Addoulaye Doucoure continues to impress in Watford's midfield alongside Etienne Capoue, and while the Hornets' leading men were both impressive, the Frenchman contributed with great effect across the pitch.
He failed to lose a duel or aerial battle, made an interception, provided a key pass and failed to be dispossessed.
Watford's Abdoulaye Doucoure is one of the best midfielders in the EPL.
— Ofan yo Chelsea (@SimeonAngula) September 22, 2018
Doucoure absolutely bosses that Watford midfield like
— TM (@TomMasters0) September 22, 2018
Doucoure is twice the player Gundogan is.
— MW (@EngancheIN) September 22, 2018
WORST PLAYER -
Looking Ahead
Fulham will now turn their attention to their League Cup clash against Millwall on Tuesday before making the trip to Merseyside to face Everton in the Premier League next weekend.
Watford, meanwhile, will face Premier League opposition in their respective League Cup fixture against Tottenham prior to returning to north London for a regular fixture against Arsenal.
Source: 90min