WATFORD’s resurgence under Nigel Pearson continued as they moved out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.
Goals from Troy Deeney, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra helped lift the Hornets up to 17th.
Pressure is growing on Eddie Howe after this latest defeatCredit: Rex Features
Nigel Pearson did a celebratory uppercut after Watford recorded their latest victoryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Pearson has now taken a total of 13 points from a possible 18 — and they found very little resistance here from a poor Bournemouth side.
Cherries boss Eddie Howe said in his programme notes ahead of kick-off that this game “marks the start of a season-defining period for the club”.
Yet, instead of a blood and thunder performance, this was another tepid showing full of mistakes and Watford took full advantage.
They opened the scoring with a huge helping hand as Doucoure fired in his third of the season after a howler from Simon Francis and 20-year-old keeper Mark Travers.
Nervy Travers, who was in for regular keeper Aaron Ramsdale, who had a hamstring injury, was dealt a horror back pass from Francis and his poor clearance fell to Ismaila Sarr.
Sarr was able to out-pace Nathan Ake and crossed for Doucoure, who took a couple of touches before firing past Travers.
Troy Deeney walloped home the third Watford goalCredit: Alamy Live News
Abdoulaye Doucoure was superb for the visitorsCredit: Alamy Live News
It would be wrong to pin the blame on Travers, who was badly let down by the veteran Francis, who turns 35 next month.
The defender was also at fault for giving the ball away in the 18th minute only this time Gerard Deulofeu’s shot was well saved by Travers.
Sarr and Deulofeu both squandered further chances while Nathan Chalobah’s effort from the edge of the box was just a few yards wide.
And then came the killer blow for lacklustre Bournemouth as Deeney added a second in the 65th minute.
Sarr skipped past a rash challenge from Steve Cook, then beat the defender a second time before teeing up Doucoure.
His initial shot was blocked by Francis and when the ball broke for Deeney, Bournemouth failed to react and the striker thumped in his fourth goal in five games.
Deeney had another chance moments later but his volley was well saved by Travers.
Yet there was still time for a third. Bournemouth were caught all at sea again and Deulofeu raced forward and crossed for Andre Gray.
His shot was blocked on the line by Ryan Fraser but it fell to Pereyra, who shot through a crowded box in the 90th minute.
Heartwarming moment Wolves keeper Rui Patricio wraps shivering young mascot in his coat before Watford loss
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
