Hornets can’t solve problem like Maria
Adrian Mariappa’s crazy OG stopped Watford escaping the drop zone.
The Hornets were cruising to a big three points that would have lifted them to 15th when Mariappa lost his bearings and blasted an Alireza Jahanbakhsh cross into the roof of the net.
That cancelled out Abdoulaye Doucoure’s early strike and stunned Watford keeper Ben Foster who said: “The way the goal went in was disappointing. Maps (Adrian Mariappa) is not trying to score an OG but that’s football. It can go against you.
“The way we dropped back is a symptom of where we are in the league. We tried to defend what we had and thought we could weather the storm.
“Brighton threw it all at us today but if it wasn’t for the own goal we would have won the game. We have a scrap on our hands and that’s all we’re focused on. We hold no fear for the next two games against Man United and Liverpool.”
Doucoure netted with Watford’s first shot on goal after 19 minutes.
Aaron Mooy gave it away in his own half and Doucoure drove into the box, opened up his body and found the bottom corner with a low, right-footed effort.
The scorer admitted his side had blown a big chance.
He said: “I’m pleased with the goal I scored. It’s my style of play to regain the ball and go straight towards goal.
“When I see an opportunity to shoot, I will take it. We’re very frustrated with the goal we conceded but we can do nothing about it. Everyone believes we can get out of trouble.”
Brighton huffed and puffed after the opening goal but Ezequiel Schelotto had a shout for a penalty when he was caught by Gerard Deulofeu after 43 minutes. VAR had a look and decided he’d kicked his own leg.
The second half was a dull affair and neither side had a shot on target until Mariappa boobed.
Relieved Seagulls boss Graham Potter said: “It was difficult going behind and the crowd got a little nervous.
“We were down on the scoreline, the lads desperately wanted to get points, get the win and we showed maturity.
“It’s not easy in the Premier League when you are down and I am really proud of the players.
“Every point is what it is and we have to take it.”