BEFORE a ball had been kicked in anger this season, the bookies made Manchester City favourites and Watford second favourites for promotion.

I was surprised at this, particularly after watching a couple of pre-season games in Italy. I know pre-season friendlies are not the most reliable of indicators, but it seemed Watford passed a lot without getting anywhere.

On the positive side, the defence looked vastly improved and, against Italian opposition, there were some encouraging signs.

Well, Manchester City beat Watford 3-0 on the opening day of the season and everyone this side of Luton, expressed the hope that City would prove to be the outstanding side in the division.

The view that Watford pass a lot without making things happen, has gained greater support since the season started but my belief that the defence would be better, has been shot down. Before heading for Norwich, they currently average conceding two goals at every away game and while they have kept a couple of clean sheets at home, one of those was against Plymouth in the League Cup and the other was against 10-man Wimbledon.

On Saturday, September 15, Watford entertained West Bromwich Albion at Vicarage Road, who had come fresh from thumping four goals past Manchester City.

Obviously Albion would provide a stern test and they did. Watford did not play well and seemed surprised that they were not allowed to pass the ball about midfield.

Albion competed for everything, looked strong, well-organised and although they had to thwart an injury-time penalty to secure all three points, they appear to be a side that may well last the pace in the promotion race.

Manchester City, in the meantime, have put three past Birmingham, one of the more fancied clubs. In this division, dog always eats dog, so it will be interesting to see if my comments about WBA's potential will prove as unsound as did my initial impressions about the Hornets improving defensively.

Six games into the season is somewhat premature to rush to judgement but the signs are that Watford have not solved their problems yet.