Southampton 0-2 Watford

By Andy Lewers, Digital Editor.

Watford continued their unbeaten start to the season, after a fine 2-0 win away from home at Southampton on Saturday.

On Friday night Tales from the Vicarage held a special live event with John Barnes, ahead of the release of Volume 6, Rocket Men, available in November which John has written the foreward to.

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It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, learning about John's childhood and his time at Watford. Included was an excellent reading from the popular podcast Hornet Heaven, John recreating some fan photos on the stage and of course hearing John perform *that* rap.

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Onto Saturday then and another trip to the south coast, to see if Watford could maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

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Watford were dominant from the off, Doucoure and Chalobah commanding the midfield whilst Richarlison and Carillo - who was making his first start for the Hornets - were wiggling their way round the Southampton defence.

Despite all of Watford's possession the first chance didn't come until the 23rd minute. A Holebas free kick beat the wall and left Southampton keeper Forster rooted to the goal line, but his effort sailed just wide.

Richarlison came close soon after, having cut in from the left hand side, but Forster turned his shot wide.

The 'Orns made their dominance count in the 38th minute however. A long throw from Holebas was cleared as far as Doucoure, who placed his shot perfectly into the corner of the goal from 25 yards. Cue Earth Wind and Fire being sung from the away end

Watford held on to their lead until half time, which was met with a chorus of boos by the home fans.

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Southampton came out with a point to prove in the second half but the Watford back line stood firmly against the oncoming Saints.

Watford's injury worries continued however, after both Kaboul and Femenia had to be substituted at the same time, on came Mariappa and Janmaat respectively.

Five minutes after coming on Janmaat made his presence count. Another long range effort that left Forster no chance and Watford had doubled their lead.

As Southampton pressed forward to try and start a comeback Watford could have easily added some more goals on to their tally on the counter attack. The best chance fell to Carillo. After some neat footwork and a delicate nutmeg he had created enough space for a shot. It looked destined for the net as he curled it towards goal but, agonisingly, it went just wide.

Watford saw the game out to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and their third clean sheet in a row.


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What a fantastic start to the season we're having. 8 points from a possible 12, unbeaten, two away wins and three clean sheets on the bounce.

It's hard not to get excited even though we're only four games in.

There's a renewed optimism among Watford fans this season, there's a buzz around Vicarage Road that's becoming infectious. Embrace it, enjoy it while it lasts and all that, no one's going to blame you for getting carried away.

Europe, anyone?

You 'Orns.