Roy Hodgson anticipates a tough test when Arsenal visit Vicarage Road on Sunday (March 6, 2pm KO), in search of three points to aid their push for Champions League football.
The Watford manager was very positive about the attitude of his squad in training this week, and throughout his tenure so far. He noted how he thinks the current group is the largest he’s coached in the Premier League, and paid tribute to the medical staff at the club who have worked hard to bring players to full fitness.
Off the back of a positive performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford, the former England manager believes the Hornets need to take a similar mentality into the next game.
“It’s a very big challenge, in the same way that Aston Villa was and Manchester United was,” admitted Hodgson. “We came out on the right side of those games in terms of our performances and getting something from the game, so we have to take the same attitude into this game.
“We know Arsenal are a very strong team and happen to be an in-form team, they are gelling very well and producing the sort of football that gets results.
“We have to be prepared for whatever they throw at us and have to hope our performance will enable us to come away with a similar good feeling about ourselves as the Aston Villa and Manchester United games.”
The Golden Boys have lost their last seven at Vicarage Road, a statistic stretching to before Hodgson took over as manager, but one he would like to change. The team isn’t set up any differently to on the road, and there are many positive aspects of playing at home according to the Hornets boss.
“There shouldn’t be a difference,” he stated. “It’s not as if we suddenly switch onto a different mindset or a different way of playing just because the game happens to be at home.
“We have a very good pitch, we have a home crowd trying to support us and do their best to cheer us on, there’s no reason why we can’t give those supporters what they hope for and dream of and what we definitely work for and dream of.
“You need both sides of your game to come together if you’re going to win matches, we’ve got to certainly provide the players with a solid base that they can use in order to launch more attacking platforms.”
Despite the precarious position in the table Hodgson remains pleased with the work ethic on the training ground. Statistics show that his team are continuing to fight on the pitch too, covering more ground than most in the division and showing desire to get out of the relegation zone.
“I think their attitude has been excellent,” said Hodgson. “Their desire to do what we, with regard to our principles, think are the right things to bring more success, is brilliant. Their work ethic, the amount of effort they’re putting into every game, the running statistics are good, which is not normal when you’re near the bottom of the table. Especially in terms of high-speed running and sprint distances, we’re right up there.
“We’ve got a very big squad, they’ve done a remarkable job here. Today we had four goalkeepers and 23 outfield players available for training. Looking back over my Premier League career I can’t remember many clubs where that many players have been out playing, training and asking to be selected to play.
“It’s been a pleasure to come in every day and work with them. I’d enjoy it a lot more if we were winning of course but I don’t think there are too many people in my position who wouldn’t tell you the same thing.”
