Tom Cleverley: Watford’s Performance Against Burnley Was “Unacceptable”
Watford manager Tom Cleverley pulled no punches in his post-match assessment of his team’s 2-1 defeat to Burnley, calling their performance “unacceptable” and warning his players not to be deceived by the narrow scoreline. The Hornets narrowly avoided a heavier defeat at Turf Moor, thanks to a late surge that saw them pull a goal back with 10 minutes remaining. However, Cleverley was quick to acknowledge that the scoreline flattered his side.
Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, dominated the game and looked far superior for most of the contest. Goals from Jaidon Anthony and Josh Brownhill gave the Clarets a comfortable cushion, and despite Watford’s late strike, Parker’s side never truly looked like relinquishing control. Speaking candidly after the match, Cleverley didn’t hold back in addressing his team’s shortcomings.
A Sobering Assessment
“I think losing 2-1 flatters us, to be honest, and I said that to the players afterwards,” Cleverley admitted. “Let’s not fall into a false sense of security of losing 2-1 at Burnley because that could have been a lot more convincing for them. That performance from us today was nowhere near acceptable.”
Cleverley’s comments reflected the frustration of a manager whose side had been comprehensively outplayed. Burnley showed more composure on the ball, solved tactical challenges better, and, perhaps most alarmingly for Watford, outworked them in every department.
“They showed more personality to play when they were on the ball, they were better at solving problems, but most worrying of all, they ran more and they tackled harder,” Cleverley continued. “It was a really disappointing afternoon.”
Burnley’s Dominance
From the first whistle, Burnley dictated the tempo of the game. Their midfield trio, anchored by Brownhill, controlled possession and constantly found spaces to exploit Watford’s defensive gaps. Jaidon Anthony’s opener came after a slick passing move that sliced through Watford’s backline, while Brownhill’s goal was a result of relentless pressure and clinical finishing.
Burnley could have extended their lead on multiple occasions, but a combination of poor finishing and some late defensive efforts from Watford kept the score respectable. Even so, Cleverley was under no illusions about how far off the pace his side had been.
A Mindset Problem?
One of Cleverley’s key concerns was the apparent difference in mindset between Watford’s home and away performances. While the Hornets have shown resilience at Vicarage Road, they have struggled to replicate that determination on their travels.
“You will suffer setbacks – at home we have suffered setbacks, but when it happens away from home, we don’t show the same character and mindset to come back from them,” Cleverley explained.
This inconsistency has been a recurring issue for Watford this season, and Cleverley knows it could derail their ambitions if not addressed. With the Championship as competitive as ever, every point matters, and poor performances on the road could prove costly in the race for promotion.
Opportunities to Bounce Back
Despite the disappointment, Cleverley struck a note of cautious optimism, pointing to the relentless nature of the Championship schedule as a chance to quickly rectify mistakes.
“The beauty of the Championship is we get chances to put this right in five days and then eight days’ time,” he said. “The players have always responded well to a performance like that, but we have to. If we are serious about our ambitions this season, then we have to have a better mindset in these away games.”
The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for Watford as they look to regain momentum. Cleverley is banking on his players’ ability to learn from their mistakes and deliver a stronger performance in their next outing.
Key Players Under Scrutiny
Several Watford players will undoubtedly feel the pressure after such a poor display. Cleverley’s criticism of their lack of effort and intensity was not directed at any individual but rather the team as a whole.
However, questions will be asked about the midfield’s inability to match Burnley’s energy and creativity. Watford’s defense, too, struggled to cope with Burnley’s fluid attacking play, leaving gaps that were ruthlessly exploited. In attack, the Hornets lacked a cutting edge for most of the game, only coming to life in the final stages when it was too late.
Lessons to Learn
For Cleverley, the defeat serves as a wake-up call. The Championship is a gruelling competition where effort and determination often outweigh skill and talent. Watford’s players must adopt a more robust mentality, particularly in away games, if they hope to achieve their goals this season.
One of the key takeaways from this match is the importance of consistency. Burnley’s dominance was not just a result of superior tactics but also their work rate and commitment. Cleverley will undoubtedly demand the same level of effort from his own players in the coming weeks.
Fans’ Reaction
Watford fans were understandably disappointed with the performance. Many took to social media to voice their frustrations, calling for greater effort and passion from the players. While Cleverley’s honesty was appreciated, supporters will be expecting tangible improvements in the next game.
Looking Ahead
Watford’s next fixture presents an opportunity to bounce back and demonstrate that the defeat to Burnley was merely a blip. Cleverley will likely make changes to the starting lineup, both to address tactical weaknesses and to send a message to underperforming players.
The Hornets have the talent to compete with the best in the division, but talent alone won’t be enough. Cleverley’s challenge is to instil a winning mentality and ensure his players approach every game with the same intensity, regardless of the venue or opponent.
Tom Cleverley’s post-match comments were a stark reminder of the standards required to succeed in the Championship. Watford’s performance against Burnley was well below those standards, and the manager’s blunt assessment highlights the work that lies ahead.
The 2-1 scoreline may have softened the blow, but Cleverley and his players know they must do much better. With crucial games on the horizon, the pressure is on Watford to respond – not just with words but with actions on the pitch.
Leave a Reply