Decision to change shape made by Watford staff on Thursday.

The decision to convert to a flat back four against West Brom was first made on Thursday morning. After returning from Hull the night before, Tom Cleverley and his coaching staff met in London Colney to preview the upcoming home game. There was no training since the players had the day off, giving the head coach and his staff time and space to contemplate the best method to beat an Albion side that had not lost in 12 games. “The players had a day off on Thursday, but the staff were in and we did a lot of work towards making that decision,” says Cleverley.

“I don’t want my teams to be boring. On Wednesday, I felt we had control of the game, but lacked energy and cutting edge.I always want my team to keep fans on the edge of their seats, excite them, and eventually win. That is the most crucial thing.So the decision was taken on Thursday, and we had two days to work on it. I think the guys executed it wonderfully today.” Was the change in shape motivated by a desire to surprise Albion, or because it was deemed the best strategy to defeat them?

“Mainly the latter, I thought it was the best way for us to beat West Brom,” Cleverley told reporters. “We’re in a pretty strong situation because our group of players understands two different shapes really well, especially the nuances, which are what win games. “Some games will fit us to play four in the back, while others will suit us to play three. “Today, those players who benefit from the system performed so well that they established a claim that this style of play has legs. “I’m really happy we have two options moving forward, and both options bring out qualities in different players.”

Cleverley said he felt the Hornets’ performance against West Brom was the most complete this season. “I’d have to mention a couple of performances like Sheffield Wednesday away and Stoke at home, but against a really strong outfit with a top coach and in a game with a lot of pressure on it, today is the performance that has pleased me the most,” said the manager. “We emphasised the significance of this game at a team meeting on Friday morning, which was the first time we had addressed the players since Hull. “We emphasised the importance of the game and the amount of attention they would need to devote over the next two days in order to absorb the information about the switching mechanism. “A lot of credit needs to go to the players today for the way they have focussed and delivered it today.”

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