It’s a little less than four months since Watford beat QPR 4-0 on the opening day of the season, but just three of the players that started the game on August 5 began Saturday’s victory at Hull.
Wes Hoedt, Ryan Porteous and Ken Sema were the only survivors from the XI that were named to start against Rangers.
It’s been an up and down ride since then, with the Hornets winning just one of the next 10 league games after the opening day, but they have now won five and lost just one of their last nine.
Way back in the summer head coach Valerien Ismael talked about the need for change, and how the club was working through a process both on and off the pitch.
If the first couple of months were a painful and generally unsuccessful watch, then the last eight weeks have been considerably better.
From 21st in the league table after defeat at Sunderland on October 4 and just a point above the relegation zone, Watford now sit 10th in the Championship and only three points shy of the play-off places.
“We are pleased with the improvement from our team, and the stability we have found,” Ismael reflected.
“It’s a long process, a long journey, and we started from the beginning with a lot of work to do.
“Now the results are showing, but more than that I am pleased with the consistency in our performances.
“I said to the players we are more ready. What does more ready mean? Tactically, physically, technically we have the quality to be able to compete.
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