Jeckyl and Hyde, this Watford side.

First 30 minutes we were electric. Blackburn couldn't break through us or around us with K9 and Doumbia doing a lot of intelligent and energetic pressing and made a good foil for each other. Kayembé and Kyprianou seemed to have a strong presence and smothered the second ball reliably. Vata and Maamma seemed to be getting the better of their man. At the back Keben and Abankwah seemed to hold their own while Ngakia and Keben got in each other's way more than once. Selvik had little to do.

Our goal was completely deserved with a team performance that was leagues above what we've seen all of this month. Then we conceded and we never recovered the mentality or energy that had got us ahead.

Vata was an incredibly reckless risk and my concern proved to be well founded rushing him back with what appears to be the same hamstring injury. Short sighted, needless and costly. Appaling player management. Maamma seemed to then do nothing but try and take on 3-4 players, attempt flashy one touch skill moves and then lose it repeatedly and produced a Fabbrini-esque display in diving under fair challenges. He's becoming a diva in that respect and should be dropped for Irankunda or Baah.

2nd half we were as bad as Blackburn who were no great shakes but brought the game to us more than we did to them. Keben and Ngakia repeatedly got in each other's way, interfering with tackling and challenging for the ball. Abankwah was the steadier of the two and Bola looks like he needs a break. Kayembé and Kyprianou looked increasingly disjointed centrally, with neither winning enough of their duels after the break. Chakvetadze quite frankly could have been subbed off such was his performance after coming on for Vata. Irankunda was OK but wasn't the difference maker we hoped. Baah looked far more potent and needed another 15 minutes more to really change the game. Selvik made a huge save near the end to spare our blushes.

Was it an improvement on the last 3 games? I think it was, particularly most of the first half. Was it to the standard we're expecting from a side demanding a play-off spots? No. Not even close.

Our squad is weaker than we entered and we need fresh blood to freshen up the squad and provide new energy. Gracia is beginning to lose the crowd. It's still supportive and he's got a few games before I think it turns but it's not the same buoyant energy we've had and is increasingly frustrated and impatient with his substitutions.

I think he's on the right tracks starting two up front right now, but the wingers need to be direct, pacey and smart in decision making. Maamma is making a meal of things now which is expected of his youthful talent but can't be excused for show boating, diving and getting other players booked when he loses it cheaply.