Watford were forced to roll up their sleeves at a soaking St Mary's Stadium and battle to come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Southampton.

On a day when the biggest talking points were two big decisions made by referee Simon Hooper and his assistants - denying Nathaniel Chalobah a clear penalty and controversially ruling out a Charlie Austin goal - the Hornets secured a point when Jose Holebas drove home eight minutes from the end of normal time to cancel out Manolo Gabbiadni's first-half opener.

Here's how we rated the Hornets' showing on the south coast:

Ben Foster – 6.5

A largely solid showing from the Hornets’ number one and made a couple of key saves.

Kiko Femenia – 6

Tried to get forward to support the attacks but exposed defensively at times. Should have done better for Southampton’s goal when he swung and missed at the corner.

Adrian Mariappa – 6

Another steady and committed showing by the centre-half, but was caught out on occasions when the Saints were able to get balls into the box from out wide.

Craig Cathcart – 6.5

Arguably the pick of the Hornets defenders. A solid display and again looked comfortable with Mariappa alongside him.

Harrow Times:

Jose Holebas – 6

Scored his second goal of the season, with the aid of a deflection, to earn Watford point. But a mixed day defensively and struggled at times when Saints attacked from his flank.

Will Hughes – 5.5

Worked hard and did the ugly side of the game well, but found it difficult to bring his creative talents to bear. Replaced after 40 minutes due to injury.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6

Had a greater defensive weight on his shoulders in Etienne Capoue’s absence and was not able to influence the game as much in the last third as he perhaps would have wished.

Nathaniel Chalobah – 5.5

A difficult first Premier League start of the season for the midfielder who clearly needs more game time to get back towards his best. His passing was often awry but should have been rewarded with a penalty on the one occasion he was able to burst into the penalty area.

Roberto Pereyra – 5

A disappointing display from Watford’s top scorer. Was at fault for Southampton’s goal as he failed to clear and was then caught in possession. A largely peripheral figure from an attacking perspective, apart from his involvement in one promising early move. Replaced after 68 minutes.

Harrow Times:

Gerard Deulofeu – 5.5

A frustrating afternoon. Spurned a good chance to give Watford the early lead and his decision making and end product again lacked consistency. Picked up a needless yellow card after grabbing Nathan Redmond round the neck after handbags with Femenia.

Isaac Success – 7.5

Watford’s best player. Another strong showing from the forward and was central to most of his side’s brighter attacking moments. Also had the opportunity to showcase his versatility after being moved out wife for the last quarter of the game, but did well when he had the chance to run at the Saints backline.

Substitutes:

Troy Deeney – 7

Replaced Hughes at the end of the first half and producing an encouraging return to action on his return from injury. The Hornets had looked soft at times during the opening period but his introduction led to an improvement in their mental approach to the task at hand.

Harrow Times:

Andre Gray – 7

Again had to settle for a place on the bench but did well after coming on for the last quarter of the game, with his hold-up play and linking attacking moves catching the eye.