An insipid Watford performance saw the Hornets fall to a 1-0 defeat against Brighton as Pascal Gross’ strike proved decisive at the Amex Stadium.

Watford were second best across the park as they failed to trouble the Brighton goal at regular intervals in the 1-0 loss – a defeat which means they have lost four on the spin and have a picked up one point in six outings.

Heurelho Gomes was at fault for the Albion winner in match which saw Watford struggle to cope at the back and Brighton could have won by more.

Here’s how we rated The Hornets on the south coast.

Heurelho Gomes – 4

Watford Observer:

Rarely worked and was found wanting when called upon for the Brighton winner. Gross’ strike was hit with meaning, but Watford’s big Brazilian went down in stages and allowed routine shot to squirm under him and in.

Daryl Janmaat – 4.5

Got forward when possible but his final ball was often found wanting. Much of Brighton’s brighter moments came down the Watford right and the Dutch international struggled to deal with Solly March at points.

Sebastian Prodl – 4

Watford Observer:

The pace of Brighton’s flying forwards clearly rattled the Austrian and he struggled to deal with balls over the top on a number of occasions, most notably in the first half.

Christian Kabasele – 4.5

Could have seen red for a challenge on Hemed as the Albion man raced clear in the first half which went unpunished.

While a sending off would have been harsh, Kabasele was certainly flirting with fire. Was the better of Watford’s centre-backs.

Jose Holebas – 4.5

Anthony Knockaert gave the left-back a thorough going over and had the beating of Holebas on a number of occasions. Covered well when Watford were caught out by Brighton’s speed in attack.

Tom Cleverley – 5

Partnered with Ben Watson in the wake of Watford losing Abdoulaye Doucoure through suspension and struggled in the Frenchman’s absence.

Typically busy and efficient in his use of the ball but failed to get Watford playing on the front foot.

Ben Watson – 5 

Watford Observer:

Making a first Premier League start since May 2016 but managed to keep up with the pace of the game for most of his outing. Sloppy in possession at times.

Andre Carrillo – 5

Provided the spark for the few forays into Brighton’s half Watford made in the first half. However, made the wrong decision at times to ensure promising moves broke down.

Roberto Pererya – 4

A poor first touch followed by a week challenge when Watford were on the break epitomised a lacklustre outing. Clearly blessed with talent, but too often fails to impose himself on games.

Richarlison – 6

Watford Observer:

Not for the first time this term, Richarlison was Watford’s main man going forward, which isn’t saying much on a day when attacking impetus was at a premium.

His work tracking back was also impressive and he helped double up on Knockaert. Saw a first half shot well saved and missed a presentable header.

Andre Gray – 4

His hold up play was better on a day when Gray was forced to feed of precious little, but his first touch is still lacking. Failed to take his first chance to impress in Troy Deeney’s absence and needs to offer more in attack.

Applause followed Stefano Okaka’s introduction and it’s fair to say the Hornets faithful are yet to take to the club’s record signing.

SUBS

Jerome Sinclair – 5

A rare sighting of Sinclair and he made little impact in either a positive or negative capacity.

Etienne Capoue – 4.5

Speaks volumes of Capoue’s falling stock that Marco Silva opted to play Watson ahead of the languid France international. Dropped too deep after coming on and failed to influence a late Watford comeback.

Stefano Okaka – 5.5

Added much needed get up and go to the Watford attack and looked to take the game to Brighton with his direct approach. Almost forced a late equaliser as he bundled an effort wide in the depths of stoppage-time.