A lifeless Watford slipped to a 2-0 defeat against 10-man Hull City as goals from Lazar Markovic and Sam Clucas gave the hosts victory at the KCOM.

Watford looked to be in the ascendancy in a first half which saw Oumar Niasse shown a harsh red card for a foul on M’Baye Niang.

However, Hull, who are now unbeaten in their last eight home games in the league, came out with renewed focus in the second half.

A fine counter attack saw Markovic give the Tigers the lead from close range after his initial header came back off the bar.

Clucas then sealed the points with a stunning volley from the best part of 25 yards as Watford struggled to mount a serious comeback.

Here’s how the Hornets rated in defeat on Humberside.

Heurelho Gomes – 6

Could do little to prevent both goals and wasn’t really tested during the remainder of the match. Regardless, he dealt with what little work he had to do with ease.

Daryl Janmaat – 5.5

Linked up to good effect early on with Nordin Amrabat, but his influence soon faded.

Sebastian Prödl – 6

Unfortunate to see a first half header well saved by Eldin Jakupovic at a point in the game when a Watford goal would have turned things in the Hornets’ favour.

Miguel Britos – 5.5

Watford Observer:

Had an excellent chance to give the Golden Boys a first half lead when arriving unmarked at a corner, but could only guide a header wide.

Jose Holebas – 6 Delivery from set-pieces provided many of the Hornets’ best moments in the first half and battled gamely throughout.

Abdoulaye Doucouré – 5

Failed to reach the high standards he has set himself in recent weeks and didn’t influence proceedings as the game passed him by.

Etienne Capoue – 4.5

Wasted the Hornets’ clearest chance when firing straight at Jakupovic after collecting Holebas’ long throw. Limited involvement in proceedings otherwise.

Tom Cleverley – 5

Watford Observer:

A couple of good deliveries, but struggled to make a telling impact in open play. The busiest of Watford’s midfielders and was the most involved of the trio going forward.

Nordin Amrabat – 5.5

Bright in the opening exchanges and almost provided an assist with a lovely cross early in the second period. The most creative of Watford’s attacking triumvirate, but with little end product.

Troy Deeney – 4.5

Frustrated and isolated, the Watford captain toiled on a day where service was at a premium. Lacking his usual standard of hold up play during a below-par display.

M’Baye Niang – 5

Watford Observer:

Made the most of a foul by Niasse which saw the Hull man dismissed. A willing runner with the ball, but rarely with genuine threat.

Substitutes

Isaac Success – 5.5 (Replaced Amrabat 67)

Tried but largely failed to make an impact from the bench and saw a shot from the edge of the box well blocked.

Stefano Okaka – 5.5 (Replaced Doucoure 73)

Similarly to Success, put himself about when brought on.

Camilo Zuniga – N/A (Replaced Holebas 87)

Given too little time to make a genuine impression.