Watford looked to get back to winning ways as they traveled to Molineux with Javi Gracia making four changes to his starting lineup.
Goals from Etienne Capoue and Roberto Pereyra in a two minute span midway through the first half gave Watford a comfortable lead going into half-time.
Ben Foster, untested in the first 45 minutes, was called into action as Wolves continuously pressured, but the Watford goalkeeper made just a single save throughout the match.
The Hornets picked up just their second away win in 17 games, going back to game week 30 last season, as Wolves suffered their first loss of the season at Molineux.
Javi Gracia Makes Changes
Javi Gracia made four changes to a Watford side that had secured just a single point in their last four games, after starting the season with four wins in a row. Gerard Deulofeu earned his first start of the season, coming back from injury, after a 16 minute cameo appearance last weekend. Issac Success, after a goal for Nigeria during international duty, got his first start against Wolves, after some impressive substitute appearances this season.
Left-back Jose Holebas and centre back Christian Kabasele were both unavailable for the trip, as they were suspended. This opened the door for Adam Masina in place of Holebas, while journeyman Adrian Mariappa partnered with Craig Cathcart.
Deulofeu and Success Start
For Watford supporters, it was great to see Deulofeu in the starting XI, as he partnered with Issac Success, leading the attack. This was unexpected, as Gracia had favoured Troy Deeney and Andre Gray up front combining for five goals this season.
Deulofeu had worked hard after picking up a pre-season knock, missing first-team action for the first six games. Ahead of the match, Gracia said, “I think he is ready to start. In this moment, he is not in the best condition and I do not know if he is ready to play at his best level, but he is ready to start.”
Success has been continually used by Gracia as a late substitute off the bench, as Watford’s enforcer up front. On the back of a goal for Nigeria, Success received a well deserved start. He looked lively, with pace down the middle, providing some excellent chances in the attacking end. Just as impressive was his efforts to track back to help Watford defensively.
Wolves Foul Attitude
Coming out of the international break, Wolves were looking for their third consecutive win. Their winning ways had seen them up to 7th in the league table, on the back of a defence, marshalled by Rui Patricio, that had conceded just six goals.
Wolves appeared to have strength in their defence to start the game, but a Capoue goal through the legs of Conor Coady in the 20th minute caused some frustration that only intensified a moment later as Pereyra doubled Watford’ lead, 2-0.
On the day, Wolves chased the game and appeared to be a step behind, all game long. A total of 22 fouls resulting in three yellow cards did nothing to help the Wolves put together a second-half challenge.
Wolves out shot the Hornets by one, but didn’t test Foster, forcing him into a single save on the day. Late changes by Nuno Espirito Santo bringing on Ivan Cavaleiro and Adame Traore gave Wolves a late push, but they failed to convert the pressure into points.
Man of the Match: Etienne Capoue
Capoue gave Watford an early 1-0 lead with a stunner of a shot, but was dominant in the middle of the pitch with 107 touches and a pass accuracy of 86% that frustrated Wolves all game. Active at both ends of the ends, Capoue played a key role in the 2-0 win over Wolves.
