Watford 2-2 Southampton: Match takeaways

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WATFORD, ENGLAND – JANUARY 13: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Watford and Southampton at Vicarage Road on January 13, 2018 in Watford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Southampton drew 2-2 with Watford on Saturday after failing to hold on to their deserved two-goal lead at half-time.

The Saints had looked like they were going to claim a vital three points after a brace from midfielder James Ward-Prowse had seen them gain a commanding lead.

However, goals from Andre Gray and Abdoulaye Doucoure in the second period drew the home level and left Saints fans experiencing a feeling of deja vu yet again.

Particular frustrations and injustice were felt towards Doucoure’s 90th minute equaliser as TV replays showed that he had clearly used his hand to direct the ball in and not his head. It was only made worse by the fact that VAR had been trialled in England earlier in the week and would surely have chalked this strike off.

Saints players and management can have no complaints about the way they let Watford back into the game though. The home side’s simple direct tactics weren’t countered until it was far too late and this saw Saints slowly broken down to drop two vital points.

Here are three takeaway thoughts from the game: