Assistant manager Ray Lewington admitted a lack of confidence contributed to Watford’s agonising 2-1 defeat at home to Burnley, with the result leaving the Hornets on the brink of relegation from the Premier League.
Having dominated the opening stages at Vicarage Road, Watford took the lead in the eighth minute through a James Tarkowski own goal, while Juraj Kucka and Emmanuel Dennis were among those in yellow to go close to adding to the tally.
Ben Foster made a string of fine stops to keep the hosts in front before former Hornet Jack Cork headed in an equaliser in the 83rd minute, with Josh Brownhill following up soon after to snatch the points for Burnley to aid their own battle for survival.
Having seemingly been in control for much of the clash, Lewington explained how the mental side of Watford’s game let them down in the latter stages, with the “fear factor” something the 65-year-old has noticed since he and boss Roy Hodgson arrived at the club in January.
“The result was a massive disappointment today, especially given we had a really bright start,” Lewington said. “At half-time we were pleased - we were playing well and the crowd were behind us.
“We needed a second goal, but we didn’t get it. During the break we emphasised the need to avoid dropping off to protect the lead, but unfortunately human nature took over. We haven’t got a great deal of Premier League experience, and you saw the fear factor that exists at home today.
“We dropped deeper and deeper and had a lot less of the ball, and we made mistakes which allowed them to score two goals. Today’s result is as much about us dropping off as it is about other failings elsewhere.
“The confidence is very low, and that comes from losing games. It was low when we got here, they have done better in some of the games since but we’ve missed chances and you can’t do that in the situation we’ve been in.”
The result leaves Watford 12 points adrift of safety with four games of the season remaining, meaning maximum points are required as well as results elsewhere to go their way if they are to produce an unlikely escape from the drop.
Lewington acknowledged the bleak situation but insisted he and the team will give their all until the very end of the campaign, with a trip to Crystal Palace next up on Saturday May 7 (3pm KO).
He said: “It would need something spectacular now, obviously. We’ve got to play for our pride now, perform, and give our best for the players themselves and for the supporters.
“We’ve got four games left and the most important thing is that we don’t drift away. We’ll keep working and the results and the table will take care of themselves.
“We’d like to thank the fans for their continued support. They’ve been magnificent and kept going for us despite the situation, and hopefully we can give them something to smile about before the season’s done.”
