QPR v Watford (Pre-season Friendly) 0 - 1 Full Time

FT and the result is 0-1 to Watford which, on balance, is probably a fair result. Despite some good attacks there was at times confusion in the final third as the ball would be being chased by 3 of our players, with none gaining a decent advantage as they get in each others way.

Quick summary on performance:

Defence - Lumley has adapted well to playing the ball out and made decent saves. He was not at fault for the goal as far as I could see. There was a good pairing of Hall & Barbet, only beaten by that deflection, and both Rangel & Manning did well down the line. As expected, Watford targeted Manning as the perceived 'weak link' and he could have benefited from better support from BOS/Eze.

Midfield - Ball was both the playmaker from the back and also MotM for me. Smith was there in support and Amos & Eze ahead, making the link with the attack.

Attack - Mlakar & BOS did well although both at times found themselves offside, but Mlakar's anticipation was good and BOS made it difficult for the Watford defence. Eze, like Amos, has to be regarded as an attacking midfielder and their overall contribution was promising. Eze seems to have engaged another gear, no longer performing just 'one-twos' with team members but getting stuck in and making himself available for return balls (last season he seemed frightened of getting hurt); and I would say he is almost the equivalent of Ball for the attack as he spreads the ball around to change the direction of play or to a better positioned team member.

Subs - Kelly did manage to make a decent save when he came on, but both Oteh and Owens only had a few minutes play. The earlier subs - Leistner, Shodipo, Scowen & Chair did make an impact (despite the turmoil that multiple changes always causes). Scowen again assumed the AM role, with Chair going wider on the right to link up with Shodipo. Leistner was in the thick of it and, if rumours are to be believed, he is leaving then his solid, decisive interceptions and passes will be missed.

Do I feel optimistic about playing Stoke next Saturday after this game? Probably not, but I equally do not feel more pessimistic. Based upon this performance, I fancy a draw against the Potters!