Life’s a beach as new boy from Brazil shines in win
THE new boy from Brazil scored his debut goal for Watford to help beat Bournemouth.
AC Milan were put off by Richarlison’s lack of experience in Europe — this is the first time the 20-year-old has moved away from his home country.
Manchester United and Chelsea had also monitored his progress but Watford made the move and he is taking no time to adapt to English football, after moving from Fluminese for £11.2m in July.
Richarlison could still have been on Rio’s Copacabana beach when he pulled off the first-half flick over Adam Smith’s head followed by a nutmeg.
Watford manager Marco Silva said: ‘He’s a young player, his first moments in Europe, doesn’t say one word of English. It’s a moment to have calm with him and take time with him.
‘Of course I’m happy but it’s not a surprise to me what he did. It’s his dream. When you have one dream in your mind and you come here, it’s your moment to show for everybody and to work. Before you show, you need to work and this is a boy who comes every day to work hard.’
Richarlison came on as a substitute against Liverpool last weekend and was initially credited with the stoppage-time equaliser in their 3-3 draw. Miguel Britos was eventually awarded the score when the ball was bundled over the line.
Richarlison made sure of his goal here as Watford’s trio of new signings combined on 73 minutes. Nathaniel Chalobah threaded a ball into Andre Gray who crossed low; Richarlison ran across Smith and the defender almost sat on the ball as he and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic went to ground. The ball emerged between them and Watford’s forward tapped in.
Substitute Etienne Capoue produced the second goal with four minutes left. Andrew Surman headed a ball out of Bournemouth’s box straight to the Watford midfielder, some 25 yards out: chest, bounce, bang. Into the bottom left corner.
Earlier chances proved the result was a fair one. The best of the first half came in the final minute. Richarlison’s skill close to the the left touchline earned him a dangerous position. The cut-back to Gray was true but the former Burnley striker dug his foot under the ball and sent it over.
Chalobah also came close with a glancing header on 19 minutes from Amrabat’s right-hand cross.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said: ‘My position now is not to panic and don’t overreact. But something needs to change. The performance is difficult for me to take.’ BOURNEMOUTH (4-4-1-1): Begovic 6.5; A Smith 6.5, S Cook 5, Ake 6.5, Daniels 6; Ibe 5.5 (Pugh 60, 6), Surman 6, Arter 6.5, Fraser 6 (Mousset 78); King 6; Afobe 6.5 (Defoe 60, 6). Subs not used: Boruc, Gosling, B Smith, Mings. Booked: S Cook. WATFORD (4-2-3-1): Gomes 7.5; Femenia 6, Prodl 6.5, Britos 7, Holebas 6.5; Doucoure 6, Chalobah 7.5 (Watson 90); Amrabat 6.5 (Kabasele 82), Cleverley 6.5, Richarlison 8 (Capoue 80); Gray 7.5. Subs not used: Pantilimon, Deeney, Hughes, Okaka. Booked: Britos, Gray, Chalobah. Referee: Roger East 6.