Lewington: Watford playing with ‘fear factor’ after defeat leaves them on verge of drop

Watford assistant manager Ray Lewington has admitted his side are playing with a fear factor after another defeat, this time to Burnley.

The Hornets had an early lead at Vicarage Road after James Tarkowski could only turn the ball into his own goal.

Gossip: Barca turn to Chelsea flop, Arsenal offer Pepe to PL club, Newcastle make ‘huge’ offer

However, they couldn’t hold on and late goals from Jack Cork and Josh Brownhill grabbed the three points which relegated Norwich and all but confirmed Watford’s fate.

The result leaves Watford 12 points from safety with just four fixtures remaining, meaning that it would take a miracle for Roy Hodgson’s side to beat the drop.

Speaking in the absence of the ill Hodgson, assistant Lewington admitted: “I thought we brought it on ourselves because we played ever so well first half, on the front foot and playing in their half, but it was a case of because we have not won in so long there is a massive fear factor.

“Footballers try to protect it, they have seen the clock and the last 15-20 minutes they were almost camped on the edge of our own box. if you are allowing balls into the box, however many players you have behind the ball there will be space somewhere.

Full-time at The Vic.#WATBUR pic.twitter.com/exSBWvIDHr

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) April 30, 2022

“There is a lot of disappointment, I have been in situations myself as a player, but first half we were really good and if we had added a second it might have been a different story.

“It would need something spectacular (to stay up) but there is more to play for than the points, we have got to play for our pride, we don’t want to stop playing and get embarrassed – we have to try and perform and to our best, for the players’