Blackburn's missing ingredient as fine margins are decisive

After disappointing back-to-back displays on the road, this was a far better display from Eustace’s side. But, crucially, they didn’t take their chances and that came back to bite them.

Edo Kayembe’s second-half penalty proved the difference in another game where a draw would have been the fairest result. Though Rovers did have the best two chances of the contest.

The bare statistics read three successive away defeats with one goal scored in four away trips. Those numbers highlight some of the issues but perhaps don’t give a full picture.

Here are our main takeaways from Vicarage Road.

READ MORE: EUSTACE STRONG RESPONSE TO WATFORD PENALTY DECISION

The penalty decision

Eustace certainly didn’t think it was a penalty. In the modern game, I did, however.

You have to separate the law itself and the application of it. I can totally understand why Eustace and indeed Ryan Hedges, will feel unlucky. It was a bouncing ball that he went to clear, pulled out, and then the ball ricocheted onto his hand.

However, his hand was not in a natural position. It was way above his head and, in today’s game, that means it’s a penalty. Whether that should be the case is a different argument entirely.

From a head coach and players’ perspective, I totally get it. Overall, I felt Darren England made some peculiar decisions and looked like a Premier League official in charge of a Championship game, which isn’t a compliment.

Missed chances prove costly

I don’t personally feel like the referee cost Blackburn Rovers. But their finishing did.

It was a very tight game. Nothing in it between the two teams. Both had spells of pressure and dominance but neither made them count.

But Rovers did have the game’s best chances, outside the penalty. Only Dom Hyam will know how his effort from six yards didn’t go in. In fact, he probably doesn’t either. To be hit so hard from so close and rattle both the underside of the bar and inside of the post is absurd.

Hawkeye images show that the ball was basically 90 per cent of the way over the line. Sometimes, that’s how it goes and that was very unlucky.

What was less about luck and more about poor finishing, was Andi Weimann’s chance. The experienced Austrian latched on to a dinked ball from Todd Cantwell but lifted it over the goalkeeper and the crossbar. That was a big moment.

Had Rovers scored either of those chances, I’d have backed them to see it out. They gave away very little again defensively.

Chance creation an issue

With all that said, Rovers once again came from an away game without scoring a goal, making it one in their last four.

They do not create clear-cut chances in volume and that makes taking the ones they do fashion even more important.

Whilst it’s always worth noting that Aynsley Pears again didn't have much to do, Rovers should be disappointed with how little they made Daniel Bachmann work. Especially considering his two gaffes in their midweek defeat to Leeds United.

They created an expected tally of 1.51, though 0.90 of that came in those big chances mentioned. That was an improvement on the 0.47 (Coventry) and 0.69 (Plymouth) though.

Whilst that’s clearly a step in the right direction, it does feel as though the attack needs a bit of fine-tuning still. You could argue that for both home and away, but particularly on the road.

Dare I say the word: pace? Festy Ebosele was electric for Watford down the right and it again highlighted a skillset Rovers don’t have within their squad, apart from Amario Cozier-Duberry who is injured. In all three of their away defeats, the opposition has hurt them with players that can run directly at their man.

Equally, it’s not clicking up front. Makhtar Gueye was a frustrating character. He does a lot of good work but then let’s himself down with a sloppy touch or pass. I felt that he was getting a rough ride from the referee in the first half but he let that frustration impact his play, rather than use it as fuel. It wasn’t a surprise when his number was up on 60 minutes.

I think he has plenty of raw ingredients to be handful at this level. He clearly cares, perhaps he’s trying too hard? Either way, he could do with one going in off his backside and that might help his confidence.

An improvement on the road

It shouldn’t be lost that this was a step in the right direction compared to Coventry and Plymouth, even if the result wasn’t what was hoped for.

Rovers did limit Watford to very few chances. Kwadwo Baah had their only clear-cut chances in the first half. It’s worth nothing that the Hornets’ home record is now identical to Blackburn’s with 16 points from 18.

I don’t think Watford are a top-six level team as Eustace suggested but you have to respect the opposition. There was nothing in the game and Rovers didn’t deserve to lose it.

Carter injury blow

Eustace confirmed what many had feared, Carter will be facing an extended period on the sidelines. He’ll be missing for two to three months after surgery on his knee.

"Hayden is going to be out for two to three months which is a big blow for us, unfortunately," Eustace confirmed.

"He's started the season very well on the back of last season too. It is a big blow but we have players ready to step up.

"He's been outstanding since I have come to the football club but we have players to come in."

It could’ve been worse but some at Rovers were hoping for better news too. It is clearly a big blow and one that will test the squad.

Danny Batth will now get an extended run with Kyle McFadzean also in contention to play. Both are north of 30 and so it will be a test of their durability. Hyam will have to be wrapped in cotton wool.