PREM: Southampton 1-1 Watford

Jose Holebas' late strike denied Southampton

Jose Holebas' late strike denied Southampton a first Premier League win of the season at St Mary's as Watford came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Manolo Gabbiadini made the breakthrough after 20 minutes, the Italian's first top-flight goal in front of his own fans since scoring against Newcastle United 13 months ago.

However, after Charlie Austin had a goal controversially disallowed for offside midway through the second half, the visitors claimed a share of the spoils thanks to Holebas' deflected effort eight minutes from time.

As a result, Mark Hughes' side remain 17th in the table having won just once at home in the league this year, while Watford move up to seventh.

The Saints may have come into this game on a seven-match winless run, but after Gerard Deulofeu failed to beat Alex McCarthy when through on goal with an early chance, the hosts took control.

There is no doubt that had VAR been in operation at St Mary’s, then not only would Watford have been awarded a 58th-minute penalty after Ryan Bertrand impeded Nathaniel Chalobah in the box. However, the Video Ref would also have noticed that Charlie Austin’s strike did not take a deflection off Maya Yoshida on its way into the net midway through the second half.

The full back's delivery from the left was actually over hit, allowing Roberto Pereyra the chance to clear his lines. However, the forward was caught in possession in the area by the alert Danny Ings, before Gabbiadini nipped in to fire his side ahead.

Javi Gracia's team thought they should have had a penalty just before the hour-mark when Nathaniel Chalobah - making his first start in over a year - was hacked down in the box by Ryan Bertrand, only for referee Simon Hooper to deem it a fair challenge.

There was more controversy after 66 minutes following a fine run by Redmond, who found Austin on the edge of the area, with the substitute then beating Foster with the help of a slight deflection.

However, after consulting assistant Harry Lennard, Mr Hooper - in just his fourth Premier League game - decided Southampton defender Maya Yoshida - standing in an offside position - had diverted Austin's shot past Foster and so was interfering with play.

And that decision became even more unpopular with the Saints faithful when Watford levelled matters late on after James Ward-Prowse made a hash of a clearance, allowing Holebas to beat McCarthy with the help of a wicked deflection off Cedric Soares.