LONDON – Watford were dealt a major blow in their bid to avoid relegation as a Danny Ings double and James Ward-Prowse's stunning late free kick condemned them to a 3-1 defeat at home to Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.
Saints started strongly and took a well-deserved lead in the 16th minute when Ings glided past the challenge of two Watford defenders before curling a low effort into the far corner.
The former Liverpool striker added a second goal in the 70th minute after intercepting a wayward throw from ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster before Jan Bednarek's own goal handed the Hornets a lifeline.
But Ward-Prowse's free kick in the 82nd minute sealed the victory for Ralph Hasenhuttl's Southampton, who rose to 13th place with 40 points, while Watford remain in 16th with 28 points, one point ahead of third-bottom Bournemouth, who have a game in hand.