Southampton lose 2-1 at Watford as Championship unbeaten run ends

Southampton began the new Sky Bet Championship season with a 2-1 defeat at Watford, bringing their 21-match unbeaten league run to an end. It was their first league loss since January.

Watford took control in the opening half as Southampton struggled to maintain possession and build their usual attacking rhythm. Iker Bravo opened the scoring before Amin Nabizada added a second, leaving the visitors two goals behind before the interval.

The opener came after Jack Stephens sent the ball back into a dangerous area, allowing Bravo to advance into the box and finish past Daniel Peretz. Southampton then conceded again when a misplaced pass from Ryan Manning was intercepted by Nabizada, who carried the ball forward before finding the bottom corner.

Cyle Larin gave Southampton a route back into the match early in the second half. Cameron Bragg created the opening with a composed pass, and Larin applied the finish to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The Canadian nearly equalised soon afterwards, but Federico Ravaglia saved his volley.

Southampton continued to threaten as the half progressed. Finn Azaz sent a low effort just wide, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis was unable to make clean contact with a late opportunity. Watford also had chances to extend their advantage, with Peretz denying Omar Traoré and Jack Stephens producing a last-ditch intervention to stop Bravo.

Manager Tonda Eckert introduced Azaz, Divin Mubama and Samuel Edozie as Southampton searched for an equaliser. The changes increased the pressure on Watford, but the hosts held on to secure victory and leave Southampton without a point from the opening league fixture.