Swansea City secured a rare away victory with a 2-0 win at Vicarage Road, as second-half goals from Marko Stamenic and Josh Key condemned Watford to another damaging setback in their Championship play-off pursuit.
Swansea had collected only three points from six away matches under new head coach Vitor Matos and had not won on the road since September, but they were worthy winners against a Watford side whose league form continues to stall. Defeat leaves Javi Gracia's team 10th in the table, four points outside the top six, while Swansea sit four points further back in 15th, now 10 points clear of the relegation places as their gradual improvement continues.
Matos' high press sets early tone
Much of a cagey first half revolved around the tactical duel between the two Iberian coaches. Since arriving in south Wales, Portuguese manager Matos has insisted on a rapid, high press reminiscent of the approach he helped implement while on Jurgen Klopp's staff, and for the first 15 minutes Watford simply could not cope with the white shirts swarming around their penalty area and forcing hurried clearances.