Hornets strike twice in 58 seconds to stun Nuno’s boys

THE big guns were out at Molineux yesterday and Wolves were shocked to find themselves in the firing line for once.

The Premier League’s freshest faces discovered just how costly a 58-second switch-off can be when there are players like Watford’s powerhouse pair Abdoulaye Doucoure and Etienne Capoue on the prowl.

How they made Wolves pay, Doucoure setting up Capoue for the out-of-the-blue first goal from long range and then passing to Roberto Pereyra to slot in the second less than a minute later.

Battered by Watford, Wolves were then bashed by manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who admitted that complacency could have been an issue after selecting the same side for nine top-flight games.

Nuno said: “We didn’t play good, we didn’t play well, we didn’t perform, we didn’t get the result.

“It was a very bad first half. Then we showed some character.

“How you lose is important and we had shape and organisation in the second half.

“The first goal comes from bad passing allowing Watford to move the ball.

“When you concede you must control the situation, you cannot make another mistake immediately after. This week will dictate the decisions we have to make for the next game.”

Watford’s form, after a perfect start, has been patchy to say the least.

A first win in six games will be a shot in the arm to boss Javi Gracia, missing talisman Troy Deeney, who has a hamstring strain.

The opening goal through Conor Coady’s legs was the lucky strike to ignite the Hornets.

Having nosed their way into a two-goal lead, the resulting performance was neat and professional.

Doucoure could have scored himself but for a brilliant tackle by Ruben Neves, but Watford’s plan was to hang on to what they had.

Gracia said: “I am very pleased for my players and supporters because after the last defeat we had two tough weeks preparing this game. We have got a good reward.

“In the first half we dominated with possession, creating more chances, scoring two goals. In the second half we have defended well.

“We were playing against Wolves and we know they are playing well. They don’t concede many chances, they are a compact team.”

Much has been made of Watford’s poor run, so Gracia will be hoping this is a turning point.

Counterpart Nuno, meanwhile, must make the first difficult decisions of the season.

His Wolves players should be afraid... very afraid.