BOURNEMOUTH 0

WATFORD 2 Richarlison (73), Capoue (86)

SECOND-HALF goals from Richarlison and substitute Etienne Capoue earned Watford a well-deserved victory at Bournemouth.

Nathaniel Chalobah had wasted a series of chances for the Hornets but they were not to be denied the three points as Richarlison poked in his first goal for the club 17 minutes from time before Capoue drove in a splended half-volley.

The visitors perhaps could have had a penalty inside five minutes when Tom Cleverley’s effort appeared to be blocked by the arms of Nathan Ake following Jose Holebas’ long throw from the left.

Cleverley’s appeals were waved away by referee Roger East before Bournemouth had their first big chance of the game moments later.

Joshua King played in Ryan Fraser on the left and, after his low, deflected effort was repelled by Hornets keeper Heurelho Gomes, Benik Afobe blazed over while under pressure from Miguel Britos.

Chalobah should have put Watford in front in the 18th minute

but he directed a free header wide.

Richarlison was causing Adam Smith plenty of the problems on the left-wing. Having earlier beaten him with a sublime piece of skill, he carved out a golden chance for Andre Gray time but the Hornets’ record signing fired over.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe clearly sensed his side were struggling and he threw on England striker Jermain Defoe with half an hour remaining. The substitution failed to pay dividends though and Watford’s superiority was rewarded when Richarlison poked them ahead with his first goal since a summer switch from Fluminense.

Watford boss Marco Silva won his first game as Hull manager against Bournemouth and he repeated the trick here as Frenchman Capoue put the result beyond doubt.

The midfielder collected the ball 25 yards from goal four minutes from time and unleashed a fantastic strike as Watford ended a run of four successive top-flight draws against the Cherries.