Boss Claudio Ranieri picked out a number of positives from Watford’s second-half performance at home to Southampton, but admitted his side’s showing before the break in the 1-0 defeat showcased how much work there is still to be done behind the scenes.
The Hornets found themselves behind at half-time thanks to Ché Adams’ smart finish from the edge of the box in the 20th minute, while the Saints striker and teammate Adam Armstrong both enjoyed numerous chances to stretch the visitors’ lead.
Ken Sema and Tom Cleverley were introduced ahead of the second half and helped to inspire an improved display, with Ismaïla Sarr and fellow substitute Ashley Fletcher both coming within inches of an equaliser.
And although Watford were ultimately unable to rescue a point and back up their impressive win against Everton last time out, Ranieri was pleased with aspects of the second 45 against Ralph Hasenhüttl’s charges.
“I think we were too passive in the first half,” said the Italian. “I wanted to put Southampton under pressure and be more aggressive, but they found solutions and were very intelligent, so well done to them.
“I always knew it was going to be a tough match, having been to see Southampton in the Carabao Cup against Chelsea in the week. They probably deserved to win that match, and they’ve also drawn against Manchester City and Manchester United this season.
“In the second half we were much better. We pressed better and maybe deserved to draw the match because of the Sarr and Fletcher chances. I saw my players fight and we were much better with first and second balls after half-time.
“We must be patient. I don’t want us to be going up and down the table, and I want us to be more consistent, but I’ve only been working with the players for a few weeks and I know we can keep improving.”
Ranieri is eager to get back on the training pitch ahead of a clash at Arsenal next time out, and is confident he can continue to transfer his philosophy to the Golden Boys following his appointment in early October.
With recent absentees including Francisco Sierralta and Emmanuel Dennis coming back into contention for the trip to the Emirates, the 70-year-old is hopeful of bettering Watford’s 16th-placed position sooner rather than later.
He added: “We’re just going to keep working more and more. My philosophy is different to what the players are used to and it will take some time.
“With the players we have in the squad and coming back soon, I’m sure we can improve. In defence alone we are low on numbers but we have the likes of [Nicolas] Nkoulou and [Francisco] Sierralta close to full fitness.
“We also have players like Sarr in the squad, who is a champion type of player. In some matches champions don’t find it so easy to score but then suddenly everything he touches will be fantastic.”
