Tag Archives: Southampton

28th June 2020- Premier League, Watford 1 Southampton 3

Nigel Pearson insists he is not worried about Watford situation

Nigel Pearson does not want Watford to focus on specific games for points

Andre Gray one of three Watford players dropped after lockdown party

Referee: Michael Oliver
Paying Attendance: 0

Own goal (79), 1-3

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The Golden Boys have it all to do in the remaining six games of this nerve-shredding Premier League season after they allowed one of the more winnable games to slip by this afternoon.

Watford concede three at home to Southampton

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Following their defeat at Burnley on Thursday evening head coach Nigel Pearson said his side lacked cohesion, but there was even less of it on show at Vicarage Road as the visiting team took all three points with relative ease.

Nigel Pearson says Watford ‘fighting for their lives’ after Southampton defeat

Ings curled home the opener from 20 yards following Will Smallbone’s pass. And he blasted home a second – his 18th Premier League goal of the season – after controlling Ben Foster’s poor throw before surging towards the box.

Watford were handed a lifeline on 79 minutes when Southampton defender Jan Bednarek put through his own net, but the Hornets’ hopes were extinguished three minutes later by James Ward-Prowse’s spectacular free-kick.

Minute by minute

Southampton were good value for their second consecutive away win, secured thanks to a sharp double from Ings and a trademark free-kick from James Ward-Prowse. The anxiety weighed heavily on Watford, who remain a point above 18th-placed Bournemouth, and defeat was not a good look given that Nigel Pearson had to drop three players following an alleged lockdown breach involving Nathaniel Chalobah and Domingos Quina reportedly attending a party hosted by Andre Gray. “Until I know all the facts I am not making any further comment on that situation,” Pearson said.

The investigation should not take long. Gray posted videos of the party on Instagram. His Watford team-mates who did play created virtually nothing of note for lone target man Troy Deeney, to whom they kept pumping long balls much to the delight of Southampton’s centre-backs Jan Bednarek and Vestergaard.

If, like me, you’ve spent far longer than is strictly healthy in front of televised kind-of-football over the last twelve days (yes, it’s really only been twelve days) you’ll almost certainly have come to the reassuring conclusion that our “rivals” in the musical chairs mini-league at the bottom really aren’t very good. Perhaps this should be no surprise, that teams in a relegation scrap are a bit crap. No doubt it was ever thus, we’ve just never studied a relegation battle quite so forensically. Never been able to, not actually needed to for some time…. the last time we were involved in anything resembling a relegation scrap was Malky’s first season ten years ago, a season that Tom Cleverley, Aidy Mariappa and Craig Cathcart all featured in.

Project restart continues to be a false start for Watford, as Jon, Jas and Mike gather in the aftermath of another damaging display, this time against in form Southampton. The boys don’t pull any punches in their assessment of a listless display in which Watford failed to record a single shot on target. This combined with a litany of errors mean that positivity is pretty thin on the ground; despite a heartwarming message from young Arlo.

30th November 2019- Premier League, Southampton 2 Watford 1

Referee:Michael Oliver Attendance:26,929

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Match Report: Southampton 2-1 Watford

Watford beaten by Southampton in relegation scrap

Watford’s survival hopes take major blow with Southampton defeat

VAR officials were not given angle to disallow Southampton handball, claim Watford

Quique Sanchez Flores ‘not sure’ if he will keep Watford job

Watford players rated after being turned over by Southampton

Will Hughes ‘disappointed’ by inconsistent VAR after Watford lose to Southampton

Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores said he “suffers” for the fans, players and owner after defeat at fellow strugglers Southampton.

Both teams were languishing at the bottom of the table heading into the vital game at St Mary’s, and it was Watford who got themselves ahead in the first half as Ismaila Sarr (24) coolly finished for his first Premier League goal.

Hasenhüttl’s substitutes woke up Southampton, with Sofiane Boufal and Shane Long introduced approaching the hour mark, but in the buildup to Ings’s equaliser Moussa Djenepo appeared guilty of handball. It is understood the Premier League recognises the goal should have been disallowed by the video assistant referee but, at the time, the VAR did not have conclusive evidence; it is understood it took broadcasters eight minutes to find the definitive angle.

It soon got better for the long-suffering home support, who had witnessed just nine home wins in two and half seasons. Hojbjerg charged forward and was clipped just outside the area. Ward-Prowse whipped a 20-yard shot towards the top right corner which Foster could get a hand to, but not keep out.

With family commitments ruling out a trip to St Mary’s, Jon, Jas, Mike and Jordi gathered at Mike’s to watch Watford lose their must win fixture with fellow strugglers Southampton. It’s fair to say any pre-match optimism had well and truly evaporated by the final whistle; download the podcast to see if the team think the Hornet’s survival hopes have disappeared too.

23rd April 2019- Premier League, Watford 1 Southampton 1

Referee:
Mike Dean
Attendance:
19,170

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Relive our coverage of Watford’s match with Southampton in the Premier League

Andre Gray earns late Watford point after Southampton make history with opener

Javi Gracia ‘gives value’ to point after Watford draw with Southampton

Andre Gray says Watford’s draw at home to Southampton was ‘one point earned’

How we rated the Watford players against Southampton

Adam Masina believes Watford have right character after snatching late draw against Southampton

Andre Gray’s late equaliser salvaged Watford a point in a thrilling 1-1 draw with Southampton, who scored the fastest goal in Premier League history.

Shane Long had given the Saints an early lead when he scored the fastest goal in Premier League history. Long struck after just 7.69 seconds and Southampton held on to their lead until Watford’s Andre Gray levelled from close range.

Craig Cathcart won’t forget the record-breaking moment in a hurry either as the Watford defender was the man at fault. Roberto Pereyra sent the kick-off back to the defender, whose attempted long ball was charged down by Long, who sprinted goalwards before dinking daintily over goalkeeper Ben Foster.

This must count as one of the Premier League’s more surreal occasions, and not just because John Barnes graced this stadium’s turf again, this time with microphone in hand, to bellow a karaoke version of Rocket Man during the half-time interval. More remarkable still was Southampton scoring within eight seconds of Watford’s kick-off, or Shane Long’s continued transformation from shot-shy workhorse into prolific goalscorer. It was only when reality bit late-on that Watford made their own impression on the night.

It’s a funny old night, really. Funny old game, funny old night. The celebration of the imminent Elton John biopic is rather awkward and misjudged, at least in parts. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of half-time nonsense, especially with John Barnes involved and some season tickets up for grabs. It isn’t my cup of tea, but we all find our fun in different ways and we often find other people’s fun a bit cringeworthy.

Having finished my pre-match ritual of putting on my replica shirt and retrieving my notebook, pen and camera from my bag, I noticed a big white envelope by my seat. I opened it to find a sheet with the words of “Rocket Man”, as if I don’t already know them. Irritation at this distraction was compounded when I looked up to see Shane Long bearing down on goal and shooting past Foster. Only 7 seconds of the game had elapsed. I had missed Cathcart hitting a pass at Long to lead to this chance. I was devastated and, again, I blamed the decision to dispense with Z-cars. You don’t mess with something so important at such a crucial point in the season.

10th November 2018- Premier League, Southampton 1 Watford 1

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Referee:Simon Hooper

Attendance:28,153

clips of Jon Marks BBC 3CR commentary Goals: 1

Watford Observer

RELIVE: Southampton vs Watford: Jose Holebas secures a point at St Mary’s

Southampton vs Watford: Controversy surrounds two big decisions

Southampton vs Watford: Javi Gracia prompts laughter when asked about referee Simon Hooper’s key decisions in draw

Watford player ratings: Jose Holebas secures a point at Southampton

Watford’s Nathaniel Chalobah critical of referee after Southampton stalemate

Jose Holebas’ late strike denied Southampton a first Premier League win of the season at St Mary’s as Watford came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Despite Watford enjoying some good fortune to equalise, manager Javi Gracia also felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty when Ryan Bertrand appeared to foul Nathaniel Chalobah. “There were different situations that were difficult for the referee but it was a clear penalty,” he said.

The man at the centre of it all was Simon Hooper, the referee who up until the 57th minute was getting on with his duties with little fuss. But then came the meltdown. First, he failed to award Watford a clear penalty following Ryan Bertrand’s rash tackle on Nathaniel Chalobah and, six minutes later, decided to ruled out a second Southampton goal for what turned out to be a wholly incorrect reason.

The visitors found a way back eight minutes from the end. Southampton failed to deal with a cross from the left, a deflected clearance and there was Jose Holebas to lash home, via a deflection off Cedric, from just inside the penalty area. Southampton were unable to contain their frustrations.

“Tell you what Matt, the next time we come here, let’s not park in Portsmouth…?” Paul’s an affable sort of bloke, not one for unnecessary or exaggerated protest and in fairness he has a point. Our reserved parking space is actually only half a mile or so from the ground as the crow flies but with the River Itchen in the way it’s a good two miles as the Watford fan trudges. This seemed like a reasonable idea without the filter of the pissing rain, and on the way into Southampton the prospect of snarled traffic put us off from looking for something a bit closer. As it is we arrive damp and tired, and that classic football fan’s war wound, the burn on the roof of the mouth thanks to a hastily inhaled balti pie, doesn’t brighten the outlook. Loz materialises, over from gadding it in Spain, this helps, but as the teams come out it’s absolutely hammering it down.

Prior to kick-off there was a minute’s silence to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War which was accompanied by a rendition of The Last Post. The only other sound that could be heard was the rain on the roof of the stand.

I thought Watford were a bit sluggish in the first half, sloppy in possession and just generally a bit lackluster. Second half however we were much improved, the introduction of Deeney shortly before halftime I think was crucial. If you take away just one trait, one characteristic of this Watford side so far this season it’s that they never give up. We pushed Southampton right until the end and threw the kitchen sink at grabbing a winner. The team spirit that Javi has created in this side is infectious.

This week podcast hears Colin head off to St Mary’s for a draw. It’s another one of our away day diaries where we talk you through our day and our conversations. You’ll hear him talk to many Watford fans, about their away trips and what makes a fantastic journey away from The Vic.

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27th January 2018- FA Cup Fourth Round, Southampton 1 Watford 0

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Watford Observer

Relive Southampton v Watford: Javi Gracia’s reign begins with defeat on south coast, as Hornet exit FA Cup

Javi Gracia’s Watford reign starts with FA Cup exit at Southampton

Javi Gracia says he has already seen a reaction from Watford players in wake of Southampton defeat

Anger at Christian Kabasele and Jose Holebas from Watford fans defended by captain Ben Watson

Southampton v Watford ratings: Few positives from opening game of Javi Gracia reign

Jack Stephens marked his 24th birthday with his first goal for Southampton as they progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 home win over Watford.

Injury-hit Watford struggled to create but nearly forced a replay, Christian Kabasele heading wide in added time.

It was an afternoon of disgruntlement in the stands. While a portion of Southampton’s supporters maintained their burgeoning FA Cup tradition of voicing disapproval with Mauricio Pellegrino’s substitutions, jeering when the Argentinian replaced Sofiane Boufal with Maya Yoshida in the second half, that burst of dissent felt mild in comparison to the moment when Christian Kabasele and José Holebas had to be pulled away from a disagreement with a few Watfordfans after an otherwise forgettable game.

The general sense of malaise was compounded here by conceding inside four minutes and, while there was mostly sarcasm in the fans’ appraisal of a team that have now lost nine out of their last 13 matches, the scenes on the final whistle were angry.

More than one person mentioned yesterday that I usually find something positive to say about games. Sadly, I cannot find anything good to say about that game either on or off the pitch.

I felt sorry for Gracia after his first game in charge. A ridiculous number of injuries and a fan base that appear to be turning against the players with every game. The new-manager bounce we so badly wanted and needed had the complete opposite effect and as supporters we have ourselves to blame too, we weren’t at the races.

https://audioboom.com/posts/6623819-tired-and-emotional-8-32

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13th January 2018- Premier League, Watford 2 Southampton 2

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To mark the first anniversary of GT’s passing Roy Moore of the 1881 organised a show of scarves as the teams came out of the tunnel.

clips of Jon Marks BBC 3CR commentary Goals: 1 2

Watford Observer

Relive Watford v Southampton: Hornets secure late draw with Saints through Abdoulaye Doucoure header

Late Abdoulaye Doucoure goal snatches a draw for Watford against Southampton

Watford head coach Marco Silva happy ‘risky’ changes helped salvage Southampton draw

Watford’s players were told ‘what they deserved to hear’ by Marco Silva at half-time of Southampton draw

Watford vs Southampton ratings: Troy Deeney makes the difference as defensive frailties go on

Watford’s Andre Gray relishes Troy Deeney partnership in Southampton draw

Abdoulaye Doucoure’s handball for Watford equaliser could not have been spotted by Roger East, says former referee

PICTURES: Vicarage Road comes together to honour Watford’s greatest manager Graham Taylor

Abdoulaye Doucoure bundled home a controversial 90th-minute equaliser as Watford fought back from 2-0 down to draw with Southampton.

The midfielder diverted the ball in with his arm a minute before full-time as Watford came from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw.

Saints, who had led 2-0 at the break after James Ward-Prowse’s goals, were furious and surrounded the officials after the goal and at full time, with this result keeping the pressure on their manager, Mauricio Pellegrino.

It would have been understandable had Pellegrino exploded, railed against the officials, damned the system and spoken of injustice. But he didn’t. He even managed to spare some sympathy for the referee, Roger East, who evidently missed the nature of the game’s decisive and defining touch.

With Friday being the first anniversary of Graham Taylor’s passing, this game took on a greater significance than normal.

As the teams walked out onto the pitch, Vicarage Road became a sea of scarves held aloft by both Watford and Southampton supporters.

Warmingly, as well as the scarves creating a stunning tableau in the home stands there are Saints scarves aloft in the away end. I’d like to think that these represented solidarity as well as a statement of pride in their own team. Being proud of what and who you are doesn’t obligate you to hate anyone that’s something different whatever the current political climate might imply.

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