An abject Watford were thrashed 4-0 by AFC Bournemouth as Josh King netted a brace at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets went behind to David Brooks’ early opener before Christian Kabasele was sent off for a second bookable offence and conceded a penalty for a foul on King.

King scored from the spot, before heading in to make it 3-0 before the break with a well-taken header.

Wilson added a fourth to complete the scoring with two minutes played in the second half.

Here’s how the Hornets rated on a sorry afternoon at Vicarage Road.

Ben Foster – 6

Watford Observer:

So unlucky to see a superb save ricochet into the path of Brooks for the Bournemouth opener as he somehow denied Wilson from six yards.

Made one smart stop with his feet in the second period and could do nothing about any of the visiting side’s goals.

Kiko Femenia – 4.5

Constantly exposed by the Bournemouth wide men as three goals came down his flank. Repeatedly failed to close down crosses and offered precious little going forward.

His lack of defensive responsibility looks to be the reason for Javi Gracia favouring both Daryl Janmaat and Marc Navarro.

Craig Cathcart – 4.5

Looked so far short of the standards he has set all season as both he and Kabasele toiled at the heart of the Watford defence.

So nearly scored an own-goal for the second time in as many games after getting in a muddle and turning a cross towards his own net with the score at 2-0.

Christian Kabasele – 4

The Belgian, who is back in the national team, could have no complaints about the second yellow card which led to his dismissal and the award of a penalty.

Allowed King to get the wrong side of him and was then clumsy in bringing the forward down. Even without the concession of the penalty, Kabasele was someway short of his best.

Jose Holebas – 4.5

Similarly to Femenia, Holebas was found wanting in the wide areas and Bournemouth took full advantage. Delivery at set-pieces was useful but earned himself a suspension with a needless booking.

Will Hughes – 5

Had little influence on the game but wasn’t helped in doing so by his side’s abject defensive showing. Tried to up the tempo when going forward when he could.

Etienne Capoue – 6

Watford Observer:

Was the better of Watford’s midfield duo in the early exchanges as he showed a good range of passing and did his best when moved to centre-back.

The former Spurs man is no defender, though, and struggled to contain the rampant duo of Wilson and King.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 5

Struggled to make up for the lack of numbers in midfield when Capoue was moved further back, which was no fault of his own.

Roberto Pereyra – 5

The Argentine’s early season form was a distant memory in the driving Watford rain and he toiled to make any sort of impact from wide on the left.

Troy Deeney – 5

Given little service by those behind him and cut a frustrated figure throughout the afternoon. Lacked his usual hustle and bustle in attack and failed to impose himself.

Andre Gray – 5

Watford Observer:

Ran gamely and held the ball up better than strike partner Deeney. With Watford down to 10 for much of the game this was a testing afternoon for the strike partnership.

Withdrawn before the hour for Success, who is pushing hard for a start.

SUBS

Adrian Mariappa – 6

Should really have been introduced as soon as Kabasele was sent off but got just over half-an-hour instead.

Put in some strong tackles and added some much needed grit to the heart of the Watford defence.

Isaac Success – 5.5

A thankless task to come on with the game all but over and Watford trailing 4-0. Tried his best to get Watford up the pitch.

Gerard Deulofeu – 5.5

The winger’s return is perhaps the only positive Watford can take from a sorry afternoon in which they were second best across the board.

Given around a 15 minutes and didn’t really get the chance to get on the ball.