Hernandez boosts Watford's survival hopes | Hodgson: Massive games to come

Cucho Hernandez scored twice to give Watford a crucial 2-1 win over Southampton at St Mary's and boost their Premier League survival chances.

​​​​​​The result sees Roy Hodgson's side end a run of two straight defeats and move level on points with 17th-placed Everton, who were beaten at home by Wolves.

Watford opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Hernandez pounced on a weak back pass by Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu and found the target from a tight angle after rounding goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

The unmarked Colombian then doubled Watford's lead 20 minutes later when he steadied himself and volleyed in a cross from Juraj Kucka.

Watford had several chances to go 3-0 up but Southampton pulled one back before half-time as Mohamed Elyounoussi tapped in Che Adams' flicked header following a free-kick from captain James Ward-Prowse.

Southampton continued to press after the break but Watford defended bravely and rode their luck late on when Ward-Prowse narrowly missed the mark from a free-kick, before VAR then rejected calls for Christian Kabasele's handball to be penalised.

"I thought the attitude of the players and their obvious desire to play well and win this game was there for all to see," Watford manager Roy Hodgson said.

"What pleased me was the fact that after conceding that goal at the end of the first half and not having the cushion of a two-goal lead at half-time, it could have really dented our confidence and belief but it didn't.

"In the second half we continued where we left off and resilience is such an important factor in top Premier League football.

"It doesn't matter if you are fighting at the bottom or trying to qualify for the Champions League, you have to have the resilience to stay in the