Southampton may need to become accustomed to hostile receptions during their Championship travels this autumn, with the team involved in the spying controversy likely to attract plenty of jeers across the division. That was certainly true in Hertfordshire, where Watford supporters and players celebrated an intense victory secured by two outstanding first-half goals.
Before kick-off, Watford honoured Kenny Jackett, the local-born one-club icon, with two minutes of applause. During the tribute, the cameras stayed fixed on Tonda Eckert in the visitors’ dugout. The Southampton head coach could become an unpopular figure as the campaign develops. He remains under investigation by the FA over his alleged involvement in the spying incident, with the possibility of a significant punishment creating uncertainty around the club’s season and providing extra incentive for their rivals.
The travelling Southampton supporters backed their manager while directing their anger at the EFL. Once the match began, the home crowd focused on the action and repeatedly accused the visitors of cheating.
Southampton introduced a reshaped forward line featuring Lewis Dobbin, who arrived from Aston Villa after productive Championship loan spells. He offered pace and direct running on the left, while Kuryu Matsuki was selected ahead of Tom Fellows on the right. Dobbin also showed early signs of forming a promising partnership with Canada international Cyle Larin, but Watford soon powered into the lead.
Alessio Dionisi, Watford’s 12th permanent manager in five years, began his Vicarage Road tenure alongside several summer recruits, many of whom arrived through a familiar connection. Spain Under-21 midfielder Iker Bravo was among the players signed from partner club Udinese, and he made an immediate impact with a brilliant individual goal after 12 minutes.
Bravo’s opener required strength, control and composure. Chasing a long pass launched from near Watford’s penalty area, the 6ft midfielder won the initial header before stretching out a foot to bring the ball under control. He turned towards goal, drove into the box, cut onto his right side and struck a low effort that Daniel Peretz touched but could not prevent from crossing the line.
The goal lifted the atmosphere inside the stadium, and Watford controlled the remainder of the opening half. Their advantage increased in the 29th minute through another impressive effort, this time from 19-year-old academy graduate Amin Nabizada. He attacked the space on the left side of Southampton’s defence, carried the ball forward from inside his own half and converted confidently from a narrow angle.
Southampton did not respond immediately after the interval, with the opening 10 minutes of the second half unfolding at a slow and subdued pace. They eventually capitalised on the reduced intensity, passing their way beyond Watford’s defence and cutting the deficit in the 56th minute. Matsuki moved out wide as young midfielder Cameron Bragg advanced unnoticed into the right side of the area. Bragg controlled the pass, shifted the ball left under pressure and supplied Larin, who guided it into the net from 10 yards.
Larin nearly levelled the score two minutes later, turning to shoot after Watford failed to clear the danger, but new goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia pushed his attempt around the post. Substitute Finn Azaz then created enough room to send a low strike narrowly beyond the left upright. Southampton’s supporters grew louder as Ryan Manning delivered a series of threatening set pieces into the penalty area.
However, after both teams made several substitutions, Eckert’s players struggled to build the sustained pressure required to disrupt Watford. Their only notable late opportunity fell to Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who dragged his effort wide. Although opening fixtures rarely reveal how an entire campaign will unfold, Watford’s supporters could take satisfaction from both the pleasant conditions and an encouraging display. Southampton, meanwhile, must find a way to transform the negativity surrounding the spying controversy into improved results when they return to action next week.
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