Watford boss Tom Cleverley gave his verdict after the 2-1 win over Boro, after which he had nice things to say about Michael Carrick’s side
Tom Cleverley believes Watford’s win over Middlesbrough was a significant one that proved their top-six credentials, as he explained the unwanted tactical decision he made to claim the three points.
Complimentary of Boro after watching their midweek victory over West Brom, Cleverley, against his usual preference, set Watford up to be a counter-attacking side, and it ended up paying off as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Vicarage Road to climb into the play-off places.
Cleverley’s feeling of the victory’s significance was in itself a compliment to Boro and how good he believes Michael Carrick’s side are. But, not for the first time this season, an opposition boss is talking about a positive result after setting up to let Boro have the ball.
The Watford boss reflected after: “To compete against the quality of the opposition is really encouraging. You know against Middlesbrough you will have to suffer some periods without the ball. To me, that was the perfect way to respond [to the midweek defeat to Preston] and we’ve shown our credentials today.
“We knew we would have to be solid because they’re a team who love to attack you through the middle of the pitch with their two midfielders and also two number tens with Hamilton coming inside alongside Azaz. So if you lose discipline once it can be a knife through butter. It takes 95 minutes of focus and that is tough on the legs. But the players executed it perfectly.
“We don’t want to be a counter-attacking team, but if we have to be we’ve got the tools to do it and I thought the lads were excellent. We’ve played against a top team today and sometimes you’ve got to absorb when the opposition are so good.
“I’m so pleased for the lads. We had to show a lot of patience, we stayed in the game at one down, and then our subs came on, made an impact and won us the game. It’s a significant win and I’m really pleased.”