New supervisor, new signings, similar issues for Watford. The Hornets are hurtling in direction of relegation and after one other thorough defeat, Roy Hodgson has a mammoth activity on his palms.
Brighton rocked as much as Vicarage Highway and eased previous Watford with out being at their greatest, with a aim in both half from Neal Maupay and Adam Webster.
'Sacked within the morning,' chanted the travelling Seagulls followers to Hodgson. It was meant as a joke however, as daft because it sounds, the previous Crystal Palace boss is already underneath seismic stress at a circus-like membership which have already sacked two managers this season.
MATCH FACTS AND PLAYER RATINGS
Booked: Dennis, Sissoko, Kamara, Louza.
Supervisor: Roy Hodgson 5.
Booked: Dunk, Lamptey.
Supervisor: Graham Potter 8.
Referee: Jonathan Moss 7.
Attendance: 20,795.
Three matches underneath Hodgson, two defeats and - maybe most worryingly - zero targets scored. Emmanuel Dennis rattled the crossbar within the second half however that was genuinely the one significant likelihood they'd.
In his twenty third job and with greater than 1,200 matches managed, the 74-year-old's credentials are clear. However this Watford facet look turgid and maintaining them up could possibly be Hodgson's hardest activity but.
This was a record-equalling seventeenth straight house Premier League match with out a clear sheet and so they have scored only one aim of their final six league matches.
'Our first-half efficiency was a lot worse than I used to be ever anticipating,' mentioned a feisty Hodgson who later had a rant at journalists' post-match questions. 'I had excessive hopes after seeing the lads in coaching however they have been quickly dashed.
'The worst factor was that we have been unable to place them underneath any stress. A number of issues in our sport right now weren't good.'
Brighton, then again, put in a business-like efficiency. They did not should be at their greatest however this took them to seven unbeaten within the league.
Contemporary from a midweek relaxation with no sport, Brighton gamers scrambled across the pitch and fought for each ball with depth, in distinction to Watford who appeared disinterested and drained.
Maupay scored his ninth aim of the season on the stroke of half-time and, after that, just one end result ever appeared seemingly.
However what a end it was. Wing-back Tariq Lamptey's ball dropped barely behind Maupay however the Frenchman adjusted his physique form and hooked the ball into the highest nook previous Ben Foster.
'It was an excellent end from Maupay,' mentioned Potter. 'It was technically a unbelievable execution.' It was additionally his twenty sixth Premier League aim, equalling Glenn Murray's membership file.
Watford gamers trudged across the pitch with the physique language of a relegated group. They are going to be all-time low if Burnley get a degree or extra right now(Solar).
The environment was eerily quiet at Vicarage Highway and the loudest cheer of the afternoon from house followers was earlier than the match. Not for the introduction of Hodgson or assistant Ray Lewington on their first house sport.
Watford followers have been delighted to see the reintroduction of Ismaila Sarr, on the bench after lacking 12 matches by means of first a knee harm after which a profitable African Cup of Nations marketing campaign.
The Senegalese ahead got here on at half-time and gave them a bit extra attacking impetus however nonetheless, Robert Sanchez didn't make one significant save.
Dennis struck the crossbar after wriggling by means of a lot of defenders. The Nigerian began the season on hearth - he has eight targets however none since November.
On the different finish, Brighton continued to threaten and Ben Foster was key in maintaining the scoreline down for Watford. Jakub Moder and Marc Cucurella got here shut for Albion.
The sport was lastly put out of Watford's attain on 82 minutes when Webster pounced on a free ball within the field after a nook.
'It was a very, actually good efficiency and end result,' added a delighted Potter. His reverse quantity Hodgson was in a dismal temper.
'These are unbelievably simplistic questions,' he moaned when requested if he bought his techniques flawed. 'Do not criticise my group for being too conservative once I had 4 forwards on the pitch. I'm not within the temper for that dialogue.'
However quickly he should withstand the info. His group is in determined want of outcomes or they are going to be again within the Championship.