Walter Mazzarri’s side managed to hold on to a point on their trip to the St Mary’s even as they played the last 15 minutes of the game with just the 10-men. Etienne Capoue, the former Tottenham man gave the visitors an early lead after latching on to a head from Troy Deeney within 10 minutes. However, Nathan Redmond came out with a superb volley on his debut for the Saints an stole away a point even as Ben Watson picked up a red late in the game. It will be a game Mazzarri can learn a lot from as he will try to assess the strengths and weaknesses of all his players. Here are the player ratings for the Watford side in the 1-1 draw against Southampton.
Heurelho Gomes (3/5):
Stuck to his task well of keeping his box away from danger but was not able to do anything against Redmond’s volley in the second half. Picked up a yellow card late in the day for his antics.
Craig Cathcart (3/5):
Put in a solid performance at the back playing as a right sided centre-back in a back-three system used by Mazzarri for this game. Hardly made any mistakes as he kept it simple and tight on the night.
Sebastian Prodl (3.5/5):
Playing in the middle of a three-man defence, Prodl was solid at the back for Watford as he put his body on the line and made a number of interceptions and blocks to help his side steal the point away.
Miguel Britos (3.5/5):
Another strong performance from the Uruguayan who is slowly growing on to be a strong player for the Watford side. He was an exception at the back on the night and managed to keep his side of the defence away from danger for most game.
Nordin Amrabat (4/5):
One of the stand-out players for the visitors on the night, Amrabat was a constant menace on the right flank for the home side as he was hard to contain. He also managed to play a part in the opening goal of the game and will keep his place in the coming days in the side.
Etienne Capoue (3.5/5):
Managed to give his side the lead just 9 minutes into the game as he thumped home from a header by Troy Deeney into the box. Was also superb defensively after his side went down to 10 men.
Valon Behrami (3/5):
Made sure that he kept the game running in the midfield as he played sensible football but was not able to influence the game in the final third.
Adlène Guedioura (3/5):
Had a decent game in the midfield as he tried time and again to get past the Saints defence but he was not able to create clear enough chances for his side and was subbed off with less than 20 minutes to play.
Troy Deeney (3.5/5):
Was a constant presence in the final third and the penalty box for the Saints who found it hard to deal with his direct play and strength in the air. Should have scored a goal or two himself but set up Capoue’s goal with decent awareness of his surroundings. May be the player of the day for the visitors.
Odion Ighalo (3/5):
Not his usual self as he found it hard to find space in the penalty area. Came close to scoring and will be hoping to provide more of a goal threat in the coming games for.
Substitutes
Ben Watson (1.5/5):
Came in to replace Behrami at the hour mark but took just 12 minutes to pick up a red card for a pull back on Shane Long leaving his side handicapped for the last 15 minutes of the game in what was a forgettable game for him.
Juan Zuniga (3/5):
Came in for Guedioura with 15 minutes to play as he managed to keep the Saints away from the goal and helped his side steal a point from the game.
Ikechi Anya (2.5/5):
Replaced Ighalo to try and keep hold of the point late in the game. Could not make an impact but helped his team in their troubles for the last 10 minutes of the game.
