Decisive figure's early strike sets the tone for Watford | OneFootball

Iker Bravo Solanilla broke through in the 12th minute with a low finish, setting Watford on course to beat Southampton 2-1 at Vicarage Road. It was his first goal for the club.

The forward timed his run between the centre-backs and guided a right-footed shot into the bottom left, a move that suited the Hornets' direct break.

He stayed lively afterwards, forcing another block from range (35.). In the sixth minute of first half stoppage time, his close-range effort was crowded out after a Jordan Zemura cross.

After the restart he burst through again, this time onto Othmane Maamma's through ball, but his shot was blocked (59.). Saints were repeatedly pushed back by his movement across the line.

He finished with four attempts, one on target, plus six touches inside the box and a key pass, numbers that underlined how he stretched the Saints' back line and provided a constant reference for the Hornets in transition.

Because the hosts found him early and often into central pockets, his runs pinned defenders and created room for wide runners, ensuring Saints never settled in their defensive shape.

Hornets visit Wrexham next. The Saints host Stoke City.