Southampton 1-0 Watford: Player ratings as Bree assists debutant Larin | OneFootball

Southampton’s debutant and returning faces decided it, as Cyle Larin headed the winner from James Bree’s corner in a 1-0 victory over Watford at St Mary’s. It was a third win in four without conceding.

According to Daily Echo, Bree impressed on his first home outing since returning to the club, his delivery proving decisive. Goalkeeper Daniel Peretz had a nervy early touch but then kept out the two efforts he faced.

The back four looked assured, though Taylor Harwood-Bellis was fortunate to avoid a red card for a last-man foul on Mamadou Doumbia, while Jack Stephens was the calmer centre-back. Flynn Downes pressed well before going off in the first half with a minor issue after almost creating for Ross Stewart.

Caspar Jander was tidy in possession and strong in the tackle, and Finn Azaz began brightly, winning the most duels, but delayed a first-half effort. Tom Fellows was quiet, and Leo Scienza found more space when moving inside as Watford restricted him.

Scienza missed a good chance at the start of the second half. Bree’s corner later found Larin, who buried a powerful header with his first Saints touch, and Stewart’s industry could not add a second.

From the bench, Shea Charles settled into midfield and was booked for a late foul on Jeremy Petris, while Sam Edozie made his first appearance of the season after being frozen out and regularly beat his man on the left. Nathan Wood arrived in the final minute as Southampton switched to a back five to see it out.

Source: Daily Echo