A second half comeback saw Watford battle from 2-0 to secure a controversial 2-2 draw against Southampton at Vicarage Road.

James Ward-Prowse’s first half brace put the Saints in control before the half-time introduction of Troy Deeney helped the Hornets mount a recovery.

Andre Gray’s first home goal since joining the Hornets gave the hosts hope and they levelled the scores in the 90th minute.

The Hornets equaliser came with a huge slice of fortune as Abdoulaye Doucoure clearly turned in from Deeney’s header with his hand.

His late strike offered a reprieve on a day when Watford’s defence was found wanting and they were hardly deserving of a share of the spoils.

Here’s how the Hornets rated against the Saints.

Heurelho Gomes – 7

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Could do little to prevent either of Southampton’s goals and did well to deny Shane Long’s close range header in the first half.

Also showed great awareness to race from his line and tackle the forward after Watford’s defence had once again been cut open in the opening period.

Daryl Janmaat – 5.5

It was the Dutchman’s fierce drive which crashed back of the bar to present Gray with a routine finish for Watford’s first.

Looked better going forward than he did defensively and once again looked suspect when the opposition attacked.

Molla Wagué – 5

Found horribly wanting for pace as Long left him in his wake to set up Southampton’s second with a sweeping counter attack.

Had a chance with a free header after Watford had made it 2-1 but failed to make contact as he lost his balance under pressure.

Christian Kabasele – 5

Looked more secure than centre-back partner Wague, but was still a less than reassuring presence at the heart of the Watford defence.

Almost allowed Southampton in with the scores at 2-1 after failing to control with a clumsy first touch.

Marvin Zeegelaar - 4

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Outjumped far too easily in the build up to the Saints opener as he failed to compete with Long wide on the touchline.

He was found out of position moments later to allow Dusan Tadic to cross for Long, who almost made it 2-0. Another poor offering from the Dutchman.

Abdoulaye Doucouré – 6

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

While the French midfielder scored Watford’s leveller, he was well below his usual standards and was lucky not to be pulled up for a handball for his goal.

Gave the ball away with an unfamiliar regularity and looked off the pace in the first half. Like Watford, he improved in the second period but you still expect more from a player of Doucoure’s quality.

Ben Watson – 5

Offered little at the heart off Watford’s midfield and was set to be withdrawn for Roberto Pereyra in the first half, only for Tom Cleverley to make way through injury.

Andre Carrillo – 6

Perhaps the best performer of Watford’s starters and looked the most useful attacking outlet for much of the game.

Tom Cleverley – 5

Lasted just half an hour before injury saw him make way for Pereyra and therefore had little chance to influence the game.

Richarlison – 5

Still looks to be struggling from the demands of barely being rested this season and failed to have his usual impact in the final third.

Andre Gray – 6

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Surprisingly recalled after missing out to Troy Deeney in the FA Cup win over Bristol City.

Missed a glorious chance early on, but managed to get on the scoresheet in the second period.

Improved drastically when Deeney was introduced and Marco Silva could benefit from giving both players a run of games starting together.

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Roberto Pereyra – 6

Offered more attacking drive than Watson from midfield and helped dictate the tempo as Watford pushed for a comeback in the second period.

Troy Deeney – 8

Not for the first time this season, Deeney’s introduction changed the shape of the game and he brought the best out of Gray.

Well weighted pass put Janmaat in to create the first goal and Deeney’s intelligent header made the second for Doucoure. Pushing hard for a regular starting berth.

Stefano Okaka – 5.5

Given the impact Deeney and Gray were having together, it was a surprise to see Okaka come on as Watford looked for a leveller and possible winner.