Toothless Boro are stung by The Hornets

MIDDLESBROUGH suffered a belated Halloween nightmare at Watford as they were comfortably beaten 3-0 at Vicarage Road.

- Craig Johns at Vicarage Road

Luca Kerrumgaard, left, scores Watford's second

(NIGEL FRENCH/PA WIRE)

Just their second defeat of the season, it was a game reminiscent of so many of their downfalls last season as they lacked a cutting edge and failed to make possessional dominance count for much, against a Watford side who punished them on the counter.

Showing that possession is only any use if you do something with it.

Watford hit Boro three times on the transition and were three goals to the good.

Imran Louza, Luca Kjerrumgaard and Mamadou Doumbia scored the home side's goals, as Rob Edwards' first return to Vicarage Road did not end well.

Edwards made three changes to his Boro side as he reverted to a back three, bringing Luke Ayling back into the lineup.

Alan Browne was also back in as the Boro boss went with a midfield three, while Delano Burgzorg partnered Tommy Conway up top. Sverre Nypan, Morgan Whittaker and Kaly Sene dropped to the bench.

It was a tactical surprise from the home side that proved decisive in this one, however.

Javi Gracia opted for 4-4-2 instead of his usual back three formation and it means Watford were twice able to exploit Boro in the wide areas in the first half.

Leading 2-0 at the break, it was a story of the difference in penetration in the final third.

Boro started really brightly and quickly established control of the game.