Burnley 1 Watford 3: Hornets end away day woes as Deeney leads destructive display

Captain Troy Deeney was front and centre as Watford finally ended its woeful away run with a stunning Premier League win at Burnley.

Watford stunned Burnley to register its first away win under Javi Gracia, maintaining its perfect start to the Premier League season in a 3-1 victory.

The Hornets, who had previously failed to win any of their last 12 games on the road, struck at the start of either half through Burnley old boy Andre Gray, Troy Deeney and Will Hughes.

Burnley appeared in the driving seat after cancelling out Gray's strike - Watford's first away from home since January - through James Tarkowski, but Watford rallied again after the break to devastating effect.

Sean Dyche's shell-shocked side were incapable of responding a second time, having played 120 minutes of Europa League football in midweek, and Watford breezed to three points.

Watford took just three minutes to end its away goal drought as the influential Deeney centred for Gray to volley home.

Yet the lead was short-lived. A strong response from the host led to a corner on the right and Ben Foster failed to get anywhere near the delivery, allowing England international Tarkowski to nod down and into the net.

Burnley took control and Foster saved smartly from both Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Jeff Hendrick, but Dyche's men were unable to capitalise on their dominance and fell behind again at the start of the second half.

A marvellous disguised Abdoulaye Doucoure pass played Deeney in to finish past Joe Hart and Watford did not let up this time, with Hughes pouncing on Matt Lowton's pass and thrashing into the net.

Dyche made a series of attacking changes but, although Sam Vokes came close, there was no reprieve.

 

What it means: Europa League hangover hits

Burnley must hope this is not a sign of things to come as it juggles domestic and European commitments. Getting results in the league is a necessity in order to enjoy the exciting midweek trips.

It may well be too early to judge Watford, which was flying at the start of last season, but the end of its away day hoodoo should lead to happier travels.

 

Pat on the back: Deeney does the damage

Deeney had already set about disrupting the Burnley defence before teeing up Gray's opener and he remained Watford's chief threat thereafter, working Hart later in the first half and finishing coolly at the start of the second. He is key to the Hornets' success.

 

Boot up the backside: Lowton lets Watford in

Burnley right-back Lowton was a threat in the first half, but his error - a desperately sloppy cross-field pass - allowed Hughes to double Watford's lead and all but end any hopes of a comeback.

 

Key Opta Facts  - Watford has won its opening two matches in a top-flight league season for only the second time. On the previous occasion (1982-83), it ended second in the league behind Liverpool.  - Burnley is now winless in seven successive Premier League matches (W0 D3 L4) and has an aggregate score of 4-13 in these games.  - Three different English players scored in a league match for Watford for the first time since December 31st 2011 (vs Doncaster Rovers).  - Andre Gray's opening goal ended a run of 730 minutes without a Premier League away goal for Watford.  - Gray's goal (2:40) was also Watford's quickest-ever in a Premier League away match.  - James Tarkowski’s goal was his first-ever strike for Burnley in all competitions, in what was his 67th appearance for the club.

 

What's next?

If the visits of Istanbul Basaksehir and Watford to Turf Moor in quick succession represented a tricky week for Burnley, tough trips to Olympiacos and Fulham in the next seven days should raise the bar further.

Watford is not in action again until Sunday, when it welcomes Crystal Palace to Vicarage Road.