Watford manager Ed Still believes his team were the victims of misfortune following their 2-0 defeat to Ipswich Town, attributing the loss to “unlucky bounces” rather than a gap in quality.
The defeat, Still’s first since taking charge of the Hornets, was sealed by a first-half volley from Sindre Walle Egeli and a 77th-minute strike from George Hirst. Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton also played a hero’s role, saving a late penalty from Tom Ince to deny Watford a comeback.
A Tale of Two Halves
Still offered a candid assessment of the performance, noting a significant shift in his team’s energy:
- First Half Passivity: Still admitted disappointment with Watford’s lack of aggression and failure to execute pressing triggers early on. However, he contested the officiating, claiming the free-kick that led to Ipswich’s opener should never have been awarded against Mattie Pollock.
- Second Half Resurgence: The manager praised a much more aggressive approach after the break, noting a 25-minute spell where Watford dominated and pressured the Ipswich defense.
Fine Margins and Statistical Parity
Despite the result, Still pointed to the post-match statistics—including an equal shot count—as evidence that his side deserved more from the encounter. He described the second goal as a fluke moment of “hesitation in the box” that fell kindly for the opposition.
The Bigger Picture
The victory was a vital morale booster for Ipswich Town, helping them bounce back from a high-scoring loss to Wrexham. The Blues now sit just six points behind second-place Middlesbrough with two crucial games in hand, while Watford are left to rue missed opportunities and what they perceive as poor luck.
