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First, the positives for Brighton. And, as ever under Graham Potter, there were plusses aplenty. A few records, too. With this win over Watford, they have begun a top-flight season with consecutive victories for the first time.

Over this campaign and the last, meanwhile, they are now six home games unbeaten – they’ve never managed more in the Premier League. For a few hours at least they sit second and maybe the stadium DJ was on to something before kick-off: early days, of course, but good times have never felt so good.

No wonder Yves Bissouma danced in front of returning home supporters during a final lap of honour.For now, Brighton are flying high - and no one embodies that spirit more than Shane Duffy. 

Graham Potter enjoyed a positive evening on the south coast as Brighton cruised to victory

Neal Maupay finished with aplomb to make it 2-0 before being forced off with a shoulder injury

Shane Duffy had earlier broken the deadlock as he leapt highest to head home a corner

This was the defender’s first home game for Brighton since July 2020. Since then, the death of his father was compounded by difficult loan spell at Celtic

Out of favour here, too, Duffy seemed destined for the exit this summer. But the departure of Ben White – and the absence of Joel Veltman and Dan Burn - left the door ajar. He has smashed it back open.

On Saturday night Duffy’s towering header put Brighton on course for three more points.

Unfortunately, there is a but. Another encouraging performance for Brighton was stained by an injury to Neal Maupay. 

Duffy has revived his career under Potter after a difficult loan spell at Celtic last season

The defender's 10th-minute effort bounced down off the crossbar and past Daniel Bachmann

In the space of a couple of first-half minutes the forward’s evening flipped on the width of his shoulder blade.

Shortly before the break, Maupay put Brighton two up. Before long, though, he was writhing in agony, following a clash with Peter Etebo. Maupay immediately signalled to the bench; soon his evening was over.

The extent of the damage will not become clear for 24-48 hours but Potter is hopeful Maupay will be out for days rather than weeks: ‘It’s too early to say, we’re hopeful it’s not too bad,’ the Brighton boss said.

With the club already in talks over a club-record deal for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, the knock-on effects could linger. 

Xisco Munoz was a frustrated bystander as Watford were completely overrun in the first half

For Watford, meanwhile, this represented a rude re-awakening after last week’s victory over Aston Villa. ‘We need to learn quickly about the Premier League… I am disappointed with the first half,’ manager Xisco Munoz said. ‘But I want think about the positives and that’s the reaction of the players in the second half.’

Unlike Brighton, they have nothing to show for it.

‘It’s a fantastic three points for us,’ Potter said. ‘I’m really pleased for the players and the supporters.’

Duffy had been away from here for nearly as long as they have. Who would have thought he would now be part of Potter’s long-term plans, helping to plug the £50million black hole left by White? ‘I’m really happy for Shane. He had a really tough year on and off pitch,’ Potter said.

‘He’s always been someone everyone here loves… we all want Shane to be happy… he was fantastic.’ 

Maupay scored again after equalising at Burnley last week - but was withdrawn at the break

The Frenchman's replacement Aaron Connolly lashed wide with the goal at his mercy

Duffy’s header – his first Premier League goal for Brighton since November 2019 - capped a fine start for the hosts, who suffocated Watford with their tireless work off the ball.

Too often in the first half, the visitors were reliant on one-man raids into heavy traffic or down blind alleys

The only consolation? They were still in touching distance while it remained 1-0. The sole source of concern for Potter? Moments after Brighton gave themselves breathing space, Maupay was left in a heap.

Four minutes before half-time, William Ekong’s pass into captain Tom Cleverley was nicked by the excellent Bissouma, allowing Maupay to lift the ball over goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann. 

Troy Deeney was involved late on - but the visitors had left it too late to turn things around

Soon, though, he was shaking his head en route down the tunnel. Maupay did not return. His replacement Aaron Connolly should have killed the game but he flashed a shot wide from a few yards out and, to their credit, Watford did improve

Cleverley forced a low save from Robert Sanchez, substitute Cucho Hernandez sent a dipping effort just over the bar

Sandwiched in between those half-chances, Emmanuel Dennis did find the net but Watford’s hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed by the linesman’s flag

Xisco sent on debutant Josh King and Troy Deeney, who soon combined – Deeney flashing a header wide from King’s cross. But nothing doing. So Brighton march on. 

Follow Sportsmail's ALEX BOWMER for live coverage of Brighton vs Watford, including build-up, team news and updates.