Southampton unbeaten start to the season has reached it’s conclusion, with Watford scoring two long-range efforts to take all three points.
Boos after 45 and 90 minutes summed up the Saints’ afternoon, as they made it three games in all competitions without a goal, as Watford strolled to a 2-0 win over Mauricio Pellegrino’s men.
Manolo Gabbiadini spent the 70 minutes he was on the pitch isolated up front, with Nathan Redmond, Sofiane Boufal and James Ward-Prowse offering little going forward in the first half especially.
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Daryl Janmaat were both on target for the Hornets, but Marco Silva also saw two of this defenders limp off as their injury crisis worsens. Younes Kaboul was rushed back for the game and as a result didn’t last the full 90.
The Hornets have continued their unbeaten start to the season and now have eight points from a possible 12, with the new-look attacking line of Andre Carillo, Richarlison and Andre Gray looking like it could trouble any defence in the league.
Like every game this season, the Saints started off in a lively fashion, with James Ward-Prowse finding Gabbiadini in the box with a smart pass. Unfortunately, the Italian couldn’t bring the ball under control after a loose touch and it was cleared.
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With chances at either end, Watford eventually broke the deadlock when a lucky bounce teed up Doucoure, who’s half-volley bobbled past Fraser Forster, who struggled to get down low to his right to save the relatively tame effort.
After half-time Watford continued to look like the home side, but Southampton were handed a life-line when both Younes Kaboul and Kiko Femina went off injured – but it wasn’t to be.
His replacement, Daryl Janmaat, went on to double the away side’s lead, his powerful shot once again beat Forster from distance who failed to get across his line once again.
Watford rise to fourth with the win, whilst Southampton drop to tenth with the possibility of finishing in the mid-teens if results go against them. Next up is an away trip to Crystal Palace.