WATFORD CLOSE GAP ON EVERTON

Watford have closed the gap on Everton in the battle for Premier League survival at the foot of the table after their surprising 2-1 win at the home of Southampton. The Hornets trailed Everton by three points before their game against the Saints and they were able to move level with the Merseyside giants after beating the Saints in front of their home fans.

Cucho Hernandez has been in fantastic form over the last two games and he showed his quality again with two first half goals to give Watford a two-goal lead. He was able to take his Premier League tally to three goals in three games with the brace against the Saints having registered one of the two Watford goals in the 3-2 home league defeat to Arsenal penultimate weekend. Cucho was not able to find the back of the net in the 4-0 away defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next league meeting after the Arsenal game.

The first of the two Cucho Hernandez goals against Southampton came as a result of a defensive mistake from Salisu Mohammed. He completed his brace with a fine finish off the assist from Slovakian midfielder Juraj Kucka. Southampton were handed a lifeline when Norwegian international Mohammed Elyounoussi scored to halve the deficit from the two Cucho goals on the stroke of half-time to set-up an interesting second half. In the end, Southampton could not score the second goal to take at least a draw from the game as Watford sealed a big win in their fight for survival.
With the win at Southampton, Watford have moved level with Merseyside giants Everton on 22 points but they are still in the relegation zone. Watford are in the relegation zone due to goal difference with Everton a place above them on the league table.