Premier League 2018/19 review: Gracia inspires record-breaking Watford season

Before the start of the campaign Watford were among the fourth favourites to be relegated with bookmakers, illustrating what has been a thoroughly impressive season for the Hornets, who finished with their best ever points tally in a Premier League season (50).

Watford’s season, as far as the league was concerned, finished at the start of April after they came from behind to beat Wolves in extra-time to set up a meeting with Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final. With their focus on Wembley, Watford only won one of their last six matches and that ended up costing them a place in the top-half of the table.

It’s unfortunate that Pep Guardiola’s City stand in their way between their first ever piece of silverware since. City are on course to win the domestic treble, while this is just Watford’s first major final since losing the 1983-84 FA Cup final to Everton.

Top rated player – Etienne Capoue (7.13)

Etienne Capoue has come a long way since his time at Tottenham and is now arguably one of the best central midfielders outside the top-six sides.

The 30-year-old has formed a formidable partnership with Abdoulaye Doucoure in central midfield, with both players carrying a huge physical presence.

Capoue made more interceptions than any other player in the Premier League this season (86), playing a key role in breaking up opposition attacks before they can really get started.

Biggest Disappointment – N/A

Few thought Watford would have anything but a relegation battle on their hands to this season, so to finish the campaign 16 points clear of the bottom three is a testament to their good season.

Given the fact not much was expected of Watford this season, it’s unfair to label any of the squad disappointments, with everyone pulling their weight at one point in the campaign.

Whether they can keep this level up next season remains to be seen and will be Gracia’s biggest task.

Surprise Package – Gerard Deulofeu

Gerard Deulofeu has spent his entire career jumping between clubs without ever really finding consistent football. The 25-year-old is obviously gifted, as demonstrated in the role he played in Watford’s comeback against Wolves in the FA Cup semi-final, but there has been something missing in his career that has prevented him from finding somewhere to settle.

Even now, Deulofeu’s future at Watford is far from certain, as links with a move back to Italy continue to persist. The interest is understandable, though maybe it would be in the 25-year-old’s best interests to give Watford a chance.

Deulofeu played a direct hand in 15 goals in 30 league appearances for Watford this season, at least five more goal involvements than any other single league campaign in his career. He was also of just three players to garner a WhoScored 10 rating in a Premier League away game this season.

If Watford are to have any chance of defeating City in the FA Cup final this weekend then they will need the Spaniard to be at his best.

Where to Improve – Sign a creative spark

With the likes of Troy Deeney, Etienne Capoue and Abdoulaye Doucoure in the team, Watford are a very physical team and one area of improvement Javi Gracia may target this summer is to sign a creative spark that can get the best out of his forwards.

Only four teams averaged fewer shots per game in the Premier League this season than Watford (11.5) and two of those were sides that were relegated. Their top creator was left-back Jose Holebas and the 34-year-old only averaged 1.4 key passes per league game this season.

Watford had nine players that registered multiple assists in the league this season, which is a good return, but there is no obvious creator from open play within their ranks.

League Position: 11th

Grade: B