Cucho Hernandez took a stand in the primary half as Watford elevated their probabilities of survival with an important 2-1 victory over Southampton on Sunday.
Hernandez’s double gave Watford a excellent begin earlier than Mohamed Elyounoussi made issues attention-grabbing by netting simply earlier than the break. Unfortunately for the dwelling followers, this didn’t result in a comeback with the Hornets holding on fairly comfortably to safe a enormous victory.
The Saints made a number of sloppy errors within the preliminary exchanges and needed to pay for this relaxed begin to the match within the 14th minute. Mohammed Salisu dramatically hit the again of the online and Hernandez threw and created an angle earlier than squeezing a end contained in the publish.
Although Southampton dominated the ball in the primary half, Watford all the time look threatening within the switch window and so they finally doubled their benefit by catching one other Saints mistake. A fast counterattack by Hornets resulted in a free kick that Hernandez elegantly twisted into the aim – Romain Perraud’s shot into the again of the online.
The creator of Watford’s second must have scored himself minutes later. Once once more, the Southampton architects had been behind their very own downfall, gifting away the ball in midfield and having to depend on Fraser Forster with the ability to save them with Kucka scoring.
The Hornets needed to apologize for this missed probability at half time when the Saints withdrew one. James Ward-Prowse’s free kick was nodded on by Che Adams for Elyounoussi to hit his first St. Mary aim ever.
Armando Broja got here in at half time and Saint’s change of type helped some to play some good issues, though clear possibilities had been uncommon.
This was largely the story of the second half as properly, though Kucka compelled a save by Forster with barely 20 minutes left.
Late within the sport, Ward-Prowse had been given a probability to alter issues round. And issues had been simply as tense when Adams nodded in aim, just for Ben Foster to fly over to tip over.
Thankfully for Roy Hodgson, the full-time sign went shortly after. This victory strikes the Hornets stage on factors with Everton in seventeenth place, whereas Southampton have now misplaced three Premier League matches on the spin.
Here are your participant rankings for each groups …
Salisu had a unhealthy sport / Charlie Crowhurst / GettyImages
Fraser Forster (GK) – 5/10 – Made an incredible save simply earlier than the Saints pulled one again in the primary half. Got a hand to Hernandez’s second aim and can be upset.
Kyle Walker-Peters (RB) – 7/10 – His facet’s essential attacking outlet in the primary half. Can play on the fitting, left and even in central areas merely.
Jan Bednarek (CB) – 5/10 – Rescued Mohammed Salisu on a couple of events. Booked for a unhealthy deal with after the break.
Mohammed Salisu (CB) – 2/10 – One of his worst matches in a crimson and white jersey. A unusually misguided show that he’ll strive to place behind him. Missed two good possibilities too.
Romain Perraud (LB) – 4/10 – Could have accomplished so a lot better for the second Watford aim. Admitted many fouls. Unlikely to displace Tino Livramento within the crew in this manner.
Elyounoussi lastly scored at dwelling / Eddie Keogh / GettyImages
James Ward-Prowse (CM) – 6/10 – Created Elyounoussi’s aim with a exact free kick. His supply prompted issues all day.
Oriol Romeu (CM) – 5/10 – Sometimes bumped into useless ends and was not in the perfect place for Watford’s second aim. Booked within the second half for a pointless problem.
Stuart Armstrong (AM) – 5/10 – A few spritaly moments however just about overwhelming.
Mohamed Elyounoussi (AM) – 6/10 – Finally bought his St. Mary aim. Needed to get extra concerned on a regular basis.
Adams began with Smallbone on the entrance / Eddie Keogh / GettyImages
Will Smallbone (ST) – 4/10 – His inclusion as a ahead was a shocking experiment. It did probably not work with the Irishman getting off on the break.
Che Adams (ST) – 6/10 – Very restricted service. Got Elyounoussi’s aim with a courageous flick.
Armando Broja (ST) – 4/10 – Very boring.
Nathan Redmond (AM) – 5/10
Shane Long (ST) – N / A
Kabasele fought onerous / Charlie Crowhurst / GettyImages
Ben Foster (GK) – 7/10 – Did not have a lot to do. Read saints’ crosses properly for essentially the most half. Made a improbable save from Adams on the time of loss of life.
Kiko Femenia (RB) – 6/10 – A steady show, however his crossing was fairly unhealthy.
Christian Kabasele (CB) – 7/10 – Some shaky moments however largely annoyed the Saints’ floating entrance 4. Vital within the dying moments when Southampton peppered the Hornets’ aim.
Samir (CB) – 7/10 – Confident and spectacular, which makes a notably vital intervention to disclaim an virtually sure aim. More of this is required for Watford to remain afloat.
Hassane Kamara (LB) – 6/10 – Came second finest in his duels with Walker-Peters most of the time, however by no means gave up.
An amazing outcome for Roy Hodgson / Eddie Keogh / GettyImages
Moussa Sissoko (CM) – 7/10 – Be in all places for his crew, each defensively and offensively. Such a wise signing.
Imran Louza (CM) – 6/10 – Made life onerous for the Saints midfield and was fairly tidy in possession.
Juraj Kucka (CM) – 7/10 – An influence cable. He created the second aim and so shut that he bought one himself with a lung-bursting run from midfield. Insert a respectable defensive shift as properly.
Hernandez scored once more / Charlie Crowhurst / GettyImages
Cucho Hernandez (RW) – 8/10 – Finished properly for each targets. Has recorded as a beginning machine beneath Hodgson.
Joao Pedro (ST) – 6/10 – Pulled exterior to obtain the ball and prompted Salisu and Bednarek all types of issues. Need to be extra ruthless in entrance of aim.
Emmanuel Dennis (LW) – 5/10 – Carried the ball properly into the final third however typically made the incorrect resolution, a lot to the frustration of his teammates.
Craig Cathcart (CB) – N / A
Josh King (ST) – N / A
Ken Sema (CB) – N / A
