Luca Kjerrumgaard struck twice in four first-half minutes as Watford held off a spirited Queens Park Rangers fightback to secure a 2-1 win and give Paulo Pezzolano his first victory as Hornets head coach.
On his home league debut, the 6ft 6in striker on loan from Udinese converted deliveries from Nestory Irankunda and Imran Louza to put Watford 2-0 up inside 23 minutes, only for Kieran Morgan's powerful effort in first-half stoppage time to change the mood and set up a tense second half.
Rangers responded strongly after the interval, inspired by Ilias Chair and debutant forward Richard Kone, but could not find a leveller before Louza was sent off in added time for a high tackle on Jonathan Varane on his 100th Watford appearance.
Hornets Fly Out of the Blocks