EPL: Superb Maupay strike helps see Brighton past Watford

A superb Neal Maupay strike helped Brighton to a 2-0 win against relegation-threatened Watford as Roy Hodgson lost his first game at Vicarage Road.

The Frenchman hit a stunning first-time volley in the 44th minute, taking him level with Glenn Murray on 26 Premier League goals for Brighton – one more will see him into the outright lead.

Hodgson made two changes at half-time – including the return of Ismaila Sarr – to try and get Watford back into the tie, and their best chance came in a dominant period as the lively Emmanuel Dennis curled an effort onto the crossbar.

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But Brighton secured the three points as Adam Webster (82) turned home from his initial blocked effort to see the Seagulls to a seventh game unbeaten in the Premier League. They remain in ninth on 33 points.

Watford only managed their first shot on target in the 88th minute and are deep in the relegation mire. They remain in 19th with Burnley, Norwich and Newcastle yet to play this weekend.