Mark Hughes was left to rue a wrong decision from the officials as Southampton were held to a 1-1 draw by Watford in the Premier League at St Mary’s.
After Manolo Gabbiadini’s first-half strike, Saints looked to have sealed a first home victory of the season when Charlie Austin steered home from Nathan Redmond’s cut back.
But the officials deemed that the ball had struck Maya Yoshida, who was in an offside position, en-route to goal.
“It’s a goal and it’s disallowed, that’s the top and bottom of it. Unfortunately, the officials haven’t covered themselves in glory today,” Hughes said.
“We’re all judged on our performances as players, managers and coaches and clearly they need to be judged on their performances.
“All you ask is can the officials get it correct in the match-defining moments, don’t see things that actually don’t happen and be absolutely certain. They didn’t get them right today.”
Hughes was also quick to credit a huge effort from his players in reacting to last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City.
“Clearly, we’re disappointed as if we can get in a position at 2-0 then the game is over in my view. There was a lot of emotion that poured out when the second one went in as you can understand given the little bit of pressure and noise before the game.
“Once the decision was made and the emotion of thinking the game was over and having to go again, I think that directly affected us and gave Watford the boost they needed. Their equaliser has taken about three deflections and found its way into the back of the net.
“I thought the players played well today. It was a huge effort, big commitment and everybody at the ground understood that and saw that today.
“Everybody is working hard to make sure we get maximum points. It should have happened today, but the referee has played a direct hand in denying us the win our performance deserved. To a man, we were great.”
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