Leeds on the Marsch as Watford hopes fade

Leeds United took a giant stride towards Premier League safety while deepening Watford's relegation fears with a 3-0 victory at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

Raphinha rifled Leeds in front with a sumptuous near-post drive (21) and the visitors, having weathered Watford's spirited yet toothless attempted fightback, sealed a priceless victory with a ruthless late flourish.

Rodrigo capitalised on a calamitous mix-up involving Watford defenders Hassane Kamara and Samir to double Leeds' advantage 17 minutes from time, before Jack Harrison put the win beyond doubt with a rasping drive into the far corner (85).

After defeats in his first two games in charge, Jesse Marsch has guided Leeds to three victories in a four-game unbeaten run which has lifted the Yorkshire club nine points clear of the relegation zone and with another season of top-flight football within reach.

By contrast, Watford's Premier League days and Roy Hodgson's record of never being relegated from the top flight of English football look numbered, with the Hornets six points from safety with seven games remaining after slumping to an eighth consecutive home defeat.

Watford have long been in must-win territory but Everton's victory over Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime, which left the Hornets six points from safety before a ball had been kicked, only heightened the need for a first home league win since November.

Imran Louza came closest to giving the hosts the start they craved when he curled a free-kick inches wide on the quarter-hour mark but, just as Watford looked to be building momentum, it evaporated when Raphinha rifled his 10th Premier League goal of the season off Ben Foster's near post to give Leeds the lead.

Watford penned Leeds back after the