Watford beat Southampton as Saints remain on minus four after opening defeat

Watford opened their Championship campaign with a 2-1 victory over Southampton at Vicarage Road, leaving the visitors still on minus four points after beginning the season with an EFL deduction.

Iker Bravo gave Watford the lead in the 12th minute on his league debut for the club, turning a long ball into an individual break before finishing past Daniel Peretz. Amin Nabizada then doubled the advantage in the 29th minute with another solo effort, carrying the ball from inside his own half before scoring from a tight angle.

Southampton responded after the interval as Cyle Larin reduced the deficit in the 56th minute. Cameron Bragg found the Canadian striker inside the penalty area and Larin converted from close range to bring Tonda Eckert’s side back into the contest.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser during the closing stages, with Larin going close again and Southampton creating pressure from set pieces, but Watford held on to give Alessio Dionisi a winning start to his first Championship campaign in charge.

The defeat carries additional weight for Southampton because of their unusual starting position in the table. The club entered the 2026/27 Championship season on minus four points following sanctions imposed by the EFL, meaning victory at Watford would have immediately reduced the deficit. Instead, Southampton remain on -4 after their opening league fixture.

For Watford, the result provided an immediate return from two summer additions at opposite ends of their careers with the club. Bravo, signed permanently from Udinese, made an instant impact, while academy graduate Nabizada supplied the decisive second goal.

Southampton will now have to begin repairing their points deficit in their next league fixture, while Watford leave the opening weekend with three points and an encouraging first performance under Dionisi.