Watford’s 2016 in nine images: Changes and development

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After a fantastic end to 2015, Watford will be hoping on another excellent season under new manager, Walter Mazzarri.

After going the course of December 2015 unbeaten, Watford’s start to 2016 was a poor one, as the Hornets win four games in a row over the course of January. They did however pick up a win at the end of the month, beating Newcastle United.

Watford’s Troy Deeney in action with Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko

Over February and March, Watford struggled for wins, picking up only one Premier League victory against Crystal Palace, thanks to two goals from Troy Deeney.

Crystal Palace’s Bakary Sako and Watford’s Ben Watson in action

Over the course of April and May, Watford’s poor run of form continued, picking up only two wins against West Brom and Aston Villa, the latter thanks to goals from Abdi and Deeney.

Troy Deeney scores the second goal for Watford against Aston Villa

Despite a great start to the 2015/16 season, Watford’s turn in form was enough for them to decide to make a managerial change, with Quique Sanchez Flores departing Vicarage Road after just one season.

Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores and Ben Watson at the end of the match

Heading to Italy, Gino Pozzo turned to the former Inter Milan and Napoli manager, Walter Mazzarri, a widely unknown quantity in English football.

Watford manager Walter Mazzarri before the match

Mazzarri didn’t take long to strengthen his side, bringing in a number of impressive signings, including former Juventus midfielder Roberto Pereyra.

Watford’s Roberto Pereyra in action

After a tricky start to their 2016/17 Premier League campaign, Watford picked up their first win of the season against West Ham on the 10th of September, thanks to goals from Ighalo, Deeney, Capoue and Holebas.

Watford’s Jose Holebas celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Troy Deeney and Valon Behrami

The win sparked a decent turnaround in form for Mazzari’s men, who also went on to pick up an impressive 3-1 over Manchester United, thanks to goals from Capoue, Zuniga and Deeney.

Watford’s Etienne Capoue scores their first goal

Since the turnaround, Watford seem to be improving consistently under Walter Mazzari, and currently sit 11th in the table. If they can continue to improve as they have been, there’s no reason why they can’t achieve an even higher finish than last year in 2017.

Watford fans