Watford kicked off their Championship campaign with a victory over Southampton, decided by two memorable first-half goals. The match at Vicarage Road saw Watford fans and players celebrate a hard-fought win, while Southampton manager Tonda Eckert remained a focal point due to an ongoing FA investigation.
Iker Bravo, one of Watford's new signings from Udinese, opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a stunning solo goal. The Spain under-21 midfielder demonstrated a combination of skills to control a long ball, drive into the box, and finish with a low shot. Nineteen-year-old academy graduate Amin Nabizada doubled Watford's lead in the 29th minute, exploiting gaps in the Southampton defence to run from his own half and score from a tight angle.
Southampton, featuring a remodelled attacking lineup including Lewis Dobbin and Kuryu Matsuki, pulled a goal back in the 56th minute. Cameron Bragg found Cyle Larin, who poked home from 10 yards out. However, despite further chances and a flurry of substitutions, Eckert's side could not generate enough momentum to equalise, with their only late chance scuffed wide by Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Before the match, Watford paid tribute to club legend Kenny Jackett with two minutes of applause. The ongoing FA investigation into Southampton manager Tonda Eckert's part in the Spygate affair has cast uncertainty over his side's prospects this season and reportedly given opponents added motivation.