The Watford players brought into the starting XI against Everton can “hold their heads high” according to goalkeeper Ben Foster, following a spirited performance in the Hornets’ draw with the Toffees.
The goalless encounter saw seven enforced changes to the Golden Boys’ line-up, with the likes of Dan Gosling, Ken Sema and Samuel Kalu introduced as a result of several injuries.
Foster felt the integration of new talent added to the work-rate of the team at Vicarage Road, who were buoyed by the positive atmosphere produced by the Watford faithful.
“It was nice having a change of personnel in front of me, and the lads that stepped in can hold their heads up so high,” said Foster, 39.
“The crowd turned up and were fantastic yet again. I’m so happy for the lads in front of me, it was such a different team, but the fight they showed was top class and I think everybody can be proud of what they did.
“You know what you’re going to get from the guys, they’re going to give 110 per cent every single game and that’s exactly what they showed tonight. It was nice to see them working hard, for the team as a collective, and it’s no surprise that we got something from the game when you’ve got players working their socks off for 100-odd minutes.”
A cagey affair saw chances few and far between. Foster was forced into an excellent save to deny former Hornet Richarlison in the second half, but the ex-England international played down the stop and admitted he had little to do all evening despite making five saves.
“It was 50/50 really,” Foster continued.
“They probably had the best chance but other than that it was a bit of a quiet evening for myself and I don’t think Jordan [Pickford] had many saves to make either. It was two teams who didn’t really want to push for the win so we probably cancelled each other out.
“I was going that way anyway and managed to claw it [Richarlison’s shot] away. We’d have been distraught if that had gone in, it would have been a bit like Crystal Palace where we felt it wasn’t a penalty.”
The season’s final home game sees Watford host Leicester City on Sunday (May 15, 2pm KO). Foster is keen to send the supporters home happy from Vicarage Road and highlighted their committed backing of the team.
He felt the fans played a major part in the improved performance against their Merseyside opponents under the lights, and was pleased to help put an end to an 11-game run of defeats at The Vic.
“The fans have turned up week after week and gone away with nothing but a loss,” Foster said. “It was so important that we put a big effort in tonight, and everyone should be proud of themselves, the fans especially.
“Leicester don’t worry us, we have to give it a go and hopefully give the fans something to cheer about and get a win.”
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