Brilliant Dennis helps Watford keep survival hopes alive

The Hornets have looked down and out in recent weeks, but Dennis put up a good show at the St. Mary’s to put an end to their rotten form

Super Eagles star Emmanuel Dennis put up a brilliant performance to help Watford to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southampton at the St. Mary’s Stadium.

The Hornets have looked down and out in recent weeks, as they have won just one of their last 17 games in all competitions.

However, their fortunes got a positive change when they travelled to Southampton, who themselves had not been in good form, losing their previous two games.

 

Watford looked like the hungrier side from the blast of the whistle, and it took only 14 minutes for them to take the lead via Cucho Hernandez.

Southampton opened up, searching for a goal, leaving their backline prone to attacks. And Watford capitalised on it, as Cucho got his second of the game in the 34th minute after catching Juraj Kucka’s cross with a clean strike which left Southampton goalie Foster helpless as he watched the ball slide into the net.

 

Watford cooled the tempo of the game down after getting their second, ceding possession to Southampton. They got punished in the 43rd minute, as Che Adams pulled one back for the Saints to make it 2-1.

Southampton started the second half like a house on fire, but Watford were dogged. Even Dennis put in a great shift, often falling back to assist the defence. The Super Eagles star had three interceptions and two tackles in the game, and he won eight of his 15 duels.

He was also brilliant on the counter, as his pace helped keep the Saints’ backline in check. He had 42 touches in the game.

Roy Hodgson’s men kept it tight at the back. Although, they were almost punished in the dying embers of the game when there were shouts for a Southampton penalty. Nonetheless, thanks to VAR, they survived. The Hornets held out for the 2-1 victory despite the late onslaught.

The victory takes them to 18th on the table, on the same points as Everton, who sit 17th. However, the Toffees have played three games less.