In a shocking turn of events, Watford has gone onto sack their manager Javi Gracia right before their crucial match against Arsenal this weekend. The Hornets have had a disappointing start to the season and are yet to win a match, having lost three of their first four matches of the Premier League campaign while drawing the other one.
It is understood that this early failure, which has left them in the 20th spot in the league table, has not gone down well with the club management. That is as they have parted ways with the Spaniard.
The Story Related To Arsenal And The Game Against Watford
The manager, who took charge in the last term after Watford had sacked their former manager Marco Silva, was shown the door by the Hornets. That is as they released an official statement confirming the incident. Watford’s chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury said, “Javi has represented Watford with great dignity. He will always be deserving of our fullest respect for his achievements.”
He also added, “Javi Gracia’s staff will also be leaving the club. That is ahead of the imminent appointment of a new coaching team. Everyone at the Hornets wishes Javi and his staff all the very best for the future. They will always be welcome visitors in the future at Vicarage Road.”
With accordance to the sacking of Gracia, the Hornets have reappointed their former gaffer, Quique Sanchez Flores as their new manager once again. He was the one to guide them out of the dismay they have experienced in the 2019/20 Premier League season so far. Gracia had managed the club as he helped them to finish the last term at the 11th position.
More importantly, he led them to the final of the FA Cup. That is where they were eventually beaten by the holders in Manchester City. However, it seems that their dismal performance early on this season had more impact on the club management. That is as they parted ways with the Spaniard.
What Next For The Gunners; Can They Turn Things Around Under Emery
It comes as a significant challenge for the new manager Sanchez Flores. Especially with the team not in great shape. That too ahead of a huge match against one of the top six teams in the form of Arsenal. The Gunners would be more than happy to walk away with all three points from their next encounter. That is after they failed to secure a win in their last two encounters.
Unai Emery’s men were beaten prolifically by Liverpool. That was before they held Tottenham Hotspur to a 2-2 draw in their last two matches in the Premier League. So, a Watford team in the doldrums might just be the right team to play against for them at the moment.
The Hornets, on the other hand, would be looking to make most of the home advantage. That is in their next match. They would surely hope that the change of manager might work in their favour. They would be able to bag their first win of the season at home.
However, it won’t be an easy task for them, with Arsenal’s strike force consisting of Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe. They are looking agile and in scoring form. The team is ready to make the Hornets pay for their mistakes in the upcoming encounter.
