Southampton 2-1 Watford: Premier League – Three Match Takeaways

VAR Gives Saints a Hand

Back in 2018 Watford grabbed a lastgasp equalizer against the Saints. In of itself the scene at vicarage Road was nothing particularly odd. SFC were after all under the guidance of Mauricio Pellegrino.

What was slightly strange however was the use of  Abdoulaye Doucoure’s hand to steer the ball into the back of the net. Less football and more beach volleyball.

Blatant incidences like the one witnessed in Hertfordshire helped to prod footballing authorities into introducing VAR to the Premier League. There is a certain irony then that an error from the corrective technology may prove to be the catalyst that saves Southampton season.

The goal arrived as Moussa Djenepo picked up an over hit cross from Sofiane Boufal. The Malian takes on his defender, knocks the ball away from his man, prevents it from running out for a goal kick, before finding Danny Ings who bundled it home.

While initial replays certainly showcased the attacker’s skill, what they did not highlight was the Saint’s inadvertent handball as the ball bubbled up.. Despite, having multiple camera angles and slow-motion at their disposal, VAR officials somehow failed to spot the infraction.

Lucky it may have been, but undeserved certainly not. The second half equalizer came as the hosts were just starting to impose themselves on the match. Several good opportunities had gone begging before Danny Ings finally converted.

Although, by the letter of the law the Hornets should have taken a point from the South coast they can have little complaint following the travesty of a year ago. Vengeance is sweet but Saints can take something better than revenge, in the form of three priceless points.