Watford’s new head coach Javi Gracia oversaw his first game since succeeding the sacked Marco Silva but their form remained unconvincing as they fell to a ninth loss in 13 games. 

The Hornets played with the same lack of conviction that had contributed to Silva’s dismissal and were lucky not to go down to a heavier loss. 

If Watford had hoped to get a boost from Gracia’s appointment, they couldn’t have made a worse start with the Saints taking the lead in only the fourth minute. 

Ryan Bertrand found Shane Long from a left-wing free-kick and after keeper Orestis Karnezis saved with his feet Stephens poked in the rebound from close range. 

To make a grim day worse, Gracia was forced to dismiss suggestions that Christian Kabasele and Jose Holebas were arguing with the club’s supporters at the final whistle. 

Both players were dragged away by team-mate Ben Watson but Gracia said: “I do not understand what supporters sing. I feel sorry for them.” 

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino gave his club-record £19million signing Guido Carrillo a late run-out as the Saints saw out the game without much fuss. 

And Pellegrino said: “Guido needs to adapt to the situation and the dynamic of the team.”