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da betsson： Watford were stunned when Shane Long put Southampton ahead after just seven seconds at Vicarage Road on Tuesday, and it looked like the Irishman’s astonishingly early strike would be the game’s decisive goal until Andre Gray netted at the death to ensure the Hornets kept a point.
Javi Gracia’s side were pretty poor in the first half and the Saints could have been out of sight by the end of it, although the half-time break presented the Watford boss with the opportunity to make a change that would transform the game.
Watford were being run ragged by Southampton’s high-tempo approach and Gracia’s decision to bring on Kiko Femenia for Craig Cathcart, whose mistake gifted Long with the opportunity to open the scoring, and switch to 3-5-2 made it a much more level playing field.
The Spaniard was excellent down the right flank, making a joint-game-high four interceptions while also completing one tackle, and his introduction was another example of excellent in-game management from Gracia, who is establishing himself as one of the best managers outside the top-six.
Gerard Deulofeu came on to single-handedly drag Watford back into the FA Cup semi-final with Wolves, while Andre Gray has repeatedly proved himself dangerous off the bench. Rarely do Gracia’s substitutes fail to make an impact and 28-year-old Femenia was no exception.
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The former Alaves man has made 25 league appearances for the Hertfordshire outfit this term but has largely had to compete with Daryl Janmaat, who teed up Gray for the late equaliser, for a starting berth.
Fortunately, though, the 5 ft 9 defender can be confident that there will be consistent opportunities to impress, with Gracia far from afraid to make bold changes during the game and having also showcased his tactical flexibility in the draw with Southampton.
Let us know in the comments below, Watford fans, as to who you think should be Gracia’s first choice right-back: Femenia or Janmaat?