They say never fall in love with a loan player – and for Max Alleyne, that could not be more fitting.
While his time at Watford was short and sweet, the young centre-back had begun to make a real impact at Vicarage Road.
The 20-year-old made 16 league appearances for the Hornets across a spell which saw Javi Gracia's side lose just one of their last 13 matches.
While central defence is a position with more cover than most at Watford, his recall to Manchester City felt like a real blow.
As gutting as it is for Watford supporters to see Alleyne return to his parent club, the feeling was somewhat quelled watching him slot into City's starting XI right away.