Doucoure and Janmaat on target as Watford win at Southampton

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton vs Watford - Southampton, Britain - September 9, 2017 Watford's Daryl Janmaat celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'Brien

(Reuters) - Two thumping goals from midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure and substitute Daryl Janmaat handed Southampton their first Premier League defeat of the season as Watford beat the Saints 2-0 at St Mary's on Saturday.

Both sides came into the game unbeaten after one win and two draws in their opening three matches, but Watford looked stronger from the off and took the lead in the 38th minute when Doucoure thumped the ball past Fraser Forster after a Watford throw-in.

Southampton probed for an equaliser but instead Watford substitute Janmaat dealt the killer blow, rifling the ball low into the corner from well outside the penalty area shortly after coming on as a second-half sub for James Ward-Prowse.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton vs Watford - Southampton, Britain - September 9, 2017 Southampton's Dusan Tadic in action with Watford's Tom Cleverley and Christian Kabasele REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Southampton full back Cedric Soares forced Heurelho Gomes into a smart save late on with one of Southampton's few efforts on target, but Watford's defence held firm to secure their third clean sheet in four games.

(Reporting by Philip O'Connor,; Editing by Neville Dalton)

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton vs Watford - Southampton, Britain - September 9, 2017 Watford’s Andre Carillo in action with Southampton's Ryan Bertrand Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'Brien

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton vs Watford - Southampton, Britain - September 9, 2017 Watford's Daryl Janmaat scores their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'Brien

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton vs Watford - Southampton, Britain - September 9, 2017 Watford's Andre Gray in action with Southampton's Ryan Bertrand Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'Brien

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton vs Watford - Southampton, Britain - September 9, 2017 Watford's Richarlison in action as Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino looks on Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'Brien

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton vs Watford - Southampton, Britain - September 9, 2017 Southampton's Nathan Redmond in action with Watford's Jose Holebas REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton vs Watford - Southampton, Britain - September 9, 2017 Watford's Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton vs Watford - Southampton, Britain - September 9, 2017 Watford's Heurelho Gomes celebrates after Abdoulaye Doucoure scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'Brien