Watford opening day win a real tonic

[Getty Images] After ending last season so poorly, resulting in another head coach departure, and then a worryingly thin summer recruitment drive, it was heartwarming to watch Watford put in such a positive performance against Southampton. Before the match, expectations were as low as they have been for years, not just with the game but also the season - which made the outcome even more of a delight. The fans deserved it. They've been long-suffering for a while and needed some cheer at Vicarage Road. And it really was an impressive performance. In the first half, the Hornets worked much harder than Southampton leading to their rewards. They won their duels and their press was much better than their opponents, who looked like they had turned up just expecting to win. Then having scored two good goals through Iker Bravo and Amin Nabizada, the team showed great spirit and determination to hang onto their lead. Much has been said about the poor culture at Watford in recent years. The club are trying to address that and so are the team, with captain Mattie Pollock insisting the leadership group among the players are trying to cut out poor behaviour and create a united atmosphere. So to see the battling qualities on Sunday bodes well. Watford now need to back this up. Good teams show this type of attitude all season. In recent years, the Hornets have let themselves down by tailing off as the season progresses. New head coach Alessio Dionisi deserves large praise for the way he set up his team and some of the calls he made. Choosing Mamadou Doumbia upfront worked well, giving Nabizada his first Championship start obviously was a success, and leaving out last year's captain Imran Louza seemed to have a positive effect on the team. Technically, Louza is one of the best midfielders in the Championship but, with his future unclear leading to uncertainty and unhappiness in the player, Dionisi put the team before the individual and dropped the talented Moroccan. Dionisi has already won many admirers for the way he's learnt English within two months, how he has already formed warm relationships with supporters, and his down to earth attitude highlighted at the recent fans' forum, where he bonded with the fans and then helped pack the tables and chairs away at the end. Watford still need players in. The Hornets still only have two recognised centre-backs, although I'm expecting two to come in shortly from overseas. Watford could also do with another midfielder and a striker but the hierarchy won't be rushed and won't pay over the odds in terms of a fee or wages, and so deals close to the transfer window deadline could easily happen. No-one's getting carried away with an opening day win just yet, but it's given everybody associated with Watford a real tonic.