Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Watford

By Andy Lewers, Tales from the Vicarage Reporter.

A miserable day on the South coast just before Christmas meant Watford succumbed to their fourth consecutive defeat.

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The visitors started well enough, controlling possession and advancing forward, though it was Brighton who created the first chance of the match. A wonderful ball across the box from Hemed was asking to be tapped in, but luckily for Watford no one was on hand to do so.

As the half wore on Brighton grew into the game and started to increase the pressure on the Watford goal.

Efforts from Goldson and Knockaert were saved comfortably by Gomes. At the other end of the pitch Watford were struggling to create anything. 

The Hornets' best chance fell to Pereyra, who hit a volley well wide of the goal.

An uninspiring half meant the scores were level heading into the break.

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Brighton continued their pressure on the Watford goal from the restart. Hemed should have done better with his effort, but Watford fans were thankful as it sailed over the bar.

The game had started to open up after a cagey first half and Richarlison forced Ryan into a reflex save at his near post.

Gross then came close with a long-range effort, but Gomes had it covered as it flew wide.

Brighton's pressure paid off in the 64th minute however. Cleverley lost the ball in midfield and the Seagulls swarmed forward. The ball was played to Gross and his effort 20 yards out went under Gomes' body and into the net.

Watford were on thin ice and should have been two behind minutes later, but Dunk couldn't direct his free header on target.

Kabasele should have done better with his header from a free kick as Watford searched for an equaliser.

With 12 minutes to go Stefano Okaka was brought on and instantly Watford had some fight up front. Richarlison came closest with a header at the back post, but he couldn't direct his effort on target.

The final bit of action almost ended in an equaliser for the Hornets. As the ball was crossed into the box Brighton keeper Ryan let it slip through his gloves. The onrushing Okaka wasn't expecting it as he tried to adjust his body to divert the loose ball towards goal, but it bounced off his knee and out of play, which signaled the end of the game.

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A lacklustre and uninspiring performance from the Hornets, which resulted in our fourth defeat on the bounce.

Watford were slow and created few chances. Brighton on the other hand attacked with purpose, took the game to us and deserved the win.

The slump Watford currently find themselves in needs to end as soon as possible, although Leicester on Boxing Day won't be easy at all.

Still, at least we ended the game with 11 men, right?

Have a wonderful Christmas.

You 'Orns.