The Watford goals both came from errant Southampton passes, highlighting the lack of composure in the visitors’ ranks. Jack Stephens’ aimless kick was seized upon by Iker Bravo, a summer arrival from Udinese. The 21-year-old Spaniard did not hesitate, driving forward and stabbing the ball home to open the scoring.
Watford youth product Amin Nabizada then seized on another wayward Southampton pass, this time by Ryan Manning, to speed away down the right. It appeared as if the teenager had pushed the ball too far as he drove into the Southampton area before he suddenly unleashed a low shot into the far bottom corner.
Southampton reduced their arrears in the second half. Cameron Bragg stabbed the ball through to Cyle Larin 10 yards from goal, and the Canada international slid the ball past Federico Ravaglia in the 56th minute.