Southampton player ratings: Larin strikes back as Watford punish ragged half hour | OneFootball

Watford capitalised on two early openings then withstood pressure at Vicarage Road, leaving Southampton beaten despite a second half reply. The visitors mustered 17 shots, only three tested the keeper, on the opening weekend.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Watford scored twice inside the opening half hour, stretching a back line with Jack Stephens struggling. Rated five, he was at fault for the first and slow to react for the second. Keeper Daniel Peretz earned six and was largely a spectator after the break.

James Bree was booked on 18 minutes and his delivery was mixed. Taylor Harwood-Bellis, seven, was Southampton's best defender and missed the game's biggest late chance at 0.47 xG on 90 minutes. Ryan Manning, also seven, created three chances but only one of 13 crosses connected.

Flynn Downes, seven and a half, made seven tackles and completed 60 passes at 88.3 per cent before a booking on 74 minutes. Cameron Bragg, seven, threaded the pass for Larin and was withdrawn on 70.

Kuryu Matsuki, six and a half, worked the right flank but eight heavy touches betrayed loose control before his 89th-minute exit. Léo Scienza, six, drew four fouls yet misfired with five crosses. Lewis Dobbin, five and a half, was quiet and made way just before the hour for Tonda Eckert.

Larin, seven and a half, finished low on 56 minutes from a 0.25 xG chance. Three shots, two on target, booked on 14 minutes and limited to 30 touches.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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