Time running short for Watford as Jack Harrison seals handsome win for Leeds

Roy Hodgson has never been relegated as a Premier League manager but his unblemished record is in grave danger of being tarnished, with Watford facing demotion to the Championship after their ninth successive home defeat. Hodgson always knew the odds were stacked against him when he replaced Claudio Ranieri in January but their heavy loss to Leeds at Vicarage Road leaves them needing a miraculous recovery to avoid the drop.

Everton’s win over Manchester United earlier in the day only heightened the pressure on Watford to end a dismal winless run at Vicarage Road, stretching back to November, but there is no end in sight to their home sickness after another dispiriting defeat. Leeds appeared in major trouble themselves during the porous end to Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure but his successor Jesse Marsch has tightened them up defensively, with their third win in four games easing them towards safety.

Leeds started sharply and spurned an early opportunity when Luke Ayling powered a header over the crossbar from a corner. Watford almost opened the scoring in the 14th minute but Imran Louza curled his free-kick just past Illan Meslier’s far post.

Cucho Hernández curled in another dangerous free-kick from the edge of the penalty area but Meslier touched the ball to safety as the hosts pushed for the breakthrough. But Leeds clinically punished Watford by taking the lead midway through the half. Samir failed to clear the ball and Raphinha took advantage with a stunning finish beyond Ben Foster for his 10th goal of the season.

The hosts were forced into a change before half-time with Hernández suffering an injury and Emmanuel Dennis brought into the attack. Watford still appeared reliant on set-pieces to create openings, against a team