Burnley claimed their first Championship win of the season on Saturday, thrashing Watford 4-0 at Vicarage Road in a result that left supporters on both sides drawing very different conclusions. We gathered reactions from both sets of fans.

Watford supporters: searching for answers

For Watford fans, the afternoon prompted the kind of soul-searching that a heavy home defeat tends to bring. Long-serving season-ticket holder Clive called it "probably one of the poorest Watford displays I've witnessed in 15 years," citing a lack of identity, abject defending and an inability to play progressive football.

Several supporters questioned the team's tactical approach, particularly the decision to continue playing out from the back despite clear evidence the opposition had prepared for it. Fan Richard put it bluntly: "Why do we insist on playing out from the back when we are clearly not very good at it, hence the first goal. Burnley did their homework, not difficult. That's why they always had four on the edge of the penalty area every time we had a goal kick."

Naibsel raised a concern about selection, questioning the logic of fielding players out of position, while Arjun went further, singling out individual performances and the decision to start a teenage centre-back at left-back with two on the bench, describing it as "criminal." Of manager Alessio Dionisi, Arjun added: "I have been defending the manager recently because of injuries, but his tactics were awful today. I wouldn't be unhappy if he got sacked."

The most pointed message came from a fan identifying himself as Howard, who did not mince words about the ownership situation: "The owners MUST sell. The club MUST have investment or will drop down the divisions." That particular sentiment, stripped of its capitals, is one that a significant portion of the Vicarage Road faithful have been voicing for some time. Whether those at the top of the club are listening is another matter entirely.

Burnley supporters: relief and cautious optimism

Over in the away end, the mood was predictably warmer, though experienced Burnley supporters tempered their relief with a clear-eyed reading of what the result does and does not mean after a difficult opening to the campaign.

Graham pointed to the international break as a turning point in confidence, noting that performances from Amdouni and Edwards on international duty had seemingly lifted the whole squad. Anthony urged the players to carry the first-half spirit into the weeks ahead: "You played as a TEAM in the first half. Please keep that spirit and you will be fine. I'm expecting you to be in the play-offs at least."

Tom offered one of the more considered takes, acknowledging that the problems earlier in the season ran deeper than one result can fix. He welcomed the goalkeeper change, with the more experienced Coudert now between the sticks, and noted that the manager had finally "supervised a professional performance" after getting a substitution right at a key moment. "The team's confidence must be sky-high now," he concluded, though the words "work in progress" recurred across several contributions.

Richard, while broadly positive, kept expectations grounded: "Still some sloppy balls given away far too easily and still that feeling of being a little unsure what they are doing. However, some promising attacking play. Can only get better."

What it means in the table

The win is Nicky Hayen's first league victory as Burnley manager and offers genuine breathing room for a club that had been cut adrift near the foot of the Championship. For Watford, a 4-0 home defeat deepens the pressure on Dionisi and raises legitimate questions about squad depth, transfer-window decisions and the direction set by the club's ownership. Both clubs will know that one result changes little in isolation, but the mood at Vicarage Road suggests that patience among the support is wearing thin.

Frequently asked

What was the score in Watford vs Burnley?
Burnley won 4-0 at Vicarage Road, earning Nicky Hayen his first Championship victory as Clarets manager.
How are Watford fans reacting to the 4-0 defeat?
Many Watford supporters were critical of the tactics, team selection and individual performances, with some calling for a change of manager and others urging the owners to sell the club.
Is Burnley off the bottom of the Championship after beating Watford?
The 4-0 win is Burnley's first league victory of the season and gives the club a significant confidence boost, though their position in the table will depend on other results across the division.