Watford Down Brighton, Richarlison Shines in Everton Debut

Watford Down Brighton, Richarlison Shines in Everton Debut

A casual observer might be surprised by Watford F.C.’s comprehensive 2–0 defeat of Brighton and Hove Albion to open the 2018–19 English Premier League season. Much of the talk surrounding the Hornets leading into this season outside of Hertfordshire was decidedly pessimistic, and many pundits picked Watford as one of the leading candidates for relegation, as they have each of the past three seasons. Fortunately, such talk has not penetrated the dressing room at Vicarage Road, which must be decidedly upbeat after Saturday’s sensational showing.

Watford looked like the better team from the outset, quicker to the ball and creating all of the scoring chances in the first half thanks to the forward pairing of Troy Deeney and Andre Gray. Gray left a few opportunities wanting, but his runs and pace were invaluable in opening up space for his teammates to operate. And Roberto Pereyra seized those opportunities, scoring two goals thanks to assists from mercurial left back Jose Holebas. 

Pereyra’s first goal was a thing of beauty from a set piece, a corner clearly scripted on the training ground. He timed his run to the edge of the box and struck a volley cleanly and ferociously on goal, where Brighton keeper Mathew Ryan was helpless to stop it despite getting a hand to the ball. The Argentine completed his brace in the second half after a lucky bounce set him free to drive in from the left flank and curl a shot with his right foot into the side netting. 

Pereyra has shown his quality in flashes before, but of late he has looked his best since joining Watford from Juventus in a then-club record transfer. His run of top form dates back to the close of last season, when he replaced Richarlison in the lineup of an otherwise struggling Hornets side. Pereyra