Saints beat Watford in seven-goal thriller

Troy Deeney's early goal put Claude Puel's men up against it, but they responded magnificently with goals from Dušan Tadić and Nathan Redmond putting them 2-1 up at half time.

Saints dominated, but Stefano Okaka's goal against the run of play looked to have earned the Hornets a point.

Manolo Gabbiadini just cannot stop scoring, however.

The Italian pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area to make it six goals in four games, before Redmond's second sealed an excellent away victory for Saints, despite Abdoulaye Doucoure's late goal.

Claude Puel named an unchanged line-up from the EFL Cup final against Manchester United, with Gabbiadini leading the line, as he looked to continue his incredible scoring streak.

The only change to the matchday 18 came on the bench, as Pierre-Emile Højbjerg was replaced by fellow midfielder Jordy Clasie.

After the heartbreak of Wembley, a positive start was needed for Saints, but they fell behind in just the fourth minute, as Deeney expertly found the corner with a volley from eight yards.

Despite the early setback, Saints soon found their rhythm, with James Ward-Prowse and Gabbiadini both having shots saved by Heurelho Gomes.

The pressure continued for Saints, and they were rewarded just before the 30-minute mark. Tadić’s pass was cut out, but the ball came back to the playmaker nicely and he found the bottom corner superbly.

Saints were now in their stride, and the second goal arrived in first-half stoppage time following a fantastic team move.

Redmond was the man to get the goal, making it two in two against the Hornets, as his low effort went in off the post after the ball had been set back to him by Tadić. Puel’s reaction emphasised the importance of the goal, coming with almost the last kick of the half.

The second half started the same way the first had ended, with Saints well on top, and but for Gomes the third goal would have arrived.

Tadić's half-volley was superbly tipped over by the Watford goalkeeper, before he made an equally-impressive stop to deny Yoshida, who had poked Tadić's free-kick towards the bottom corner.

Watford had offered very little since the opening goal, but they kicked back into life with 20 minutes remaining.

Fraser Forster was called into action, but made a smart stop with his legs to deny Stefano Okaka.

And they soon levelled matters, as substitute Isaac Success crossed for Okaka, who smashed the ball past Forster from six yards.

But Saints were not to be denied – and neither was Gabbiadini. He pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area to make it six goals in just four games for the club.

The victory was sealed moments later, as Redmond netted his second of the game, as Saints scored four on the road for the second Premier League match running.

Doucoure netted a late consolation for Watford, but Saints had done enough to claim all three points.

Head to Head Stats

• Possession (%)
  38

  62
• Shots
  16

  20
• Shots on target
  4

  11
• Corners
  6

  5
• Passes Complete
  156

  338