Southampton 0 Watford 2: Marco Silva's sterling start continues as Hornets sting Saints at St Mary's

Two excellent strikes from distance, one either side of half-time, gave Watford a deserved victory as Marco Silva continued his impressive start with the Hornets. First Abdoulaye Doucoure, then Daryl Janmaat both capitalised on unconvincing Southampton clearances to score low from 25 yards as the Saints were again bereft of creativity.

“It’s clear to me we deserve the three points,” said Silva. “It’s not easy to come here to Southampton and control the match like we did. I’m really happy. I’m happy with the commitment and, like our players, enjoyed the match.”

Mauricio Pellegrino’s side took until the 92nd minute to register their first shot on target and loud boos greeted both half-time and full-time whistles.

“For me, today was the most difficult game in the league,” said Pellegrino. “I’m here because the team was in trouble last season. If everything was perfect, maybe here would be another manager. We have to keep going.”

Watford’s new additions, like their manager, continue to impress. Richarlison was again tricky throughout and Nathaniel Chalobah only strengthened his reputation as the bargain of the summer with another all-action display in a midfield which he dominated.

Watford dominated possession but created little in the way of clear-cut chances so it was perhaps little surprise both their goals game from excellent pieces of individual technique.

This is the first time in their history Watford have gone four games unbeaten in their opening top-flight fixtures and Silva, whose Hull City team were woeful away last season, has now one twice in a row on the south coast after the 2-0 defeat of Bournemouth.

Southampton did finally have a Dutch international centre-half back in their team. Not Virgil Van Dijk but his international colleague Wesley Hoedt who had a solid enough debut.

“It wasn’t easy for him to arrive Thursday and play today but he managed the back line quite well,” said Pellegrino, before confirming that Van Dijk will play for the reserves tomorrow night as he regains match fitness.

It is at the other end of the field where there must be real concern for Pellegrino. He has seen his new side score in just one of their first four games.

“I felt low energy in some players but after the international break it is not easy when 11 players are away, long trips, long flights after two international competitions,” said Pellegrino by way of explanation.