Watford’s Miguel Britos sees red for late tackle as Brighton gain first point

While a first ever Premier League point is not to be sniffed at Brighton will wonder how they did not tick off all the mini missions they need to convince themselves they mean business at the highest echelon of the English game. Three matches in and a goal still eludes them. A confidence-boosting win is still needed as soon as possible. It was not for want of trying, here, particularly when Watford’s numbers were depleted in the 24th minute after Miguel Britos was sent off when his dangerous, hotheaded challenge left Anthony Knockaert floored.

The flashpoint happened when Knockaert, performing with elan in his first start of the season, gave chase with a searing run down the wing only to be halted in violent fashion by Britos. A late, knee-high, studs-up, airborne tackle looked ugly and Chris Hughton was concerned that it might have caused serious injury to his player. The Uruguayan defender looked aghast when the referee Graham Stott appeared with a red card – unfortunately for him, three dismissals in his last 11 Premier League games at Vicarage Road does not make a great case for leniency.

It is obvious that a player oversteps the mark when his own manager makes no attempt to excuse him. “It’s a red card, a fair red card as well,” said Marco Silva. “It is not a normal situation. We need to keep focus and keep our emotional balance and in that moment he didn’t do that. With an experienced player like him it’s impossible to lose your control and emotional balance.” He plans to talk to Britos about the ramifications of a rash moment of serious indiscipline.

Quite apart from the fact it reflects poorly all round, it shaped the rest of the game. The home team had to redraw their gameplan and lean on a defensive ethos. It gave Brighton the initiative. The Seagulls will not have too many invitations as plain as this to gather three precious Premier League points. Gaps opened up for them to carve out chances. Twice they hit the post. Heurelho Gomes stepped in with a handful of important saves. Yet long periods of dominance spent peppering the goal protected by Watford’s 10 men ended with a gnawing frustration that they could not take more positives on the journey home. “I would veer towards two points dropped,” Hughton said on the choice between viewing the result with optimism or disappointment.

Knockaert was the focal point for Brighton as they searched for a breakthrough. He was involved in most of their attempts and the pick of the bunch came when he hit a beautifully bending shot against a post.

The Frenchman was also involved in the game’s other pivotal moment when he was challenged by Abdoulaye Doucouré with a high foot in the box. Hughton felt it should have been a penalty. “You only have to look at Anthony’s nose to see that there was contact,” he explained. “I spoke to the referee. He wasn’t sure. If he isn’t sure he can’t give it, hence he gave an indirect free-kick. As a newly promoted team you need as much fortune in decisions to go your way.” It was not to be.

Silva took some satisfaction that his team showed the concentration and resolve to stick at it with 10 men and make sure they did not lose. “It was a good moment because they showed to me what I want: work together, good commitment,” he said. Unbeaten in the Premier League, the Watford manager gave the impression this was one to file away and move on from assertively.

For Brighton, the quest for goals goes on.