Andre Gray equalised in the 90th minute to earn a dramatic draw for Watford after Southampton’s Shane Long scored the fastest goal in Premier League history.
Long struck after just 7.69 seconds when he blocked a Craig Cathcart pass, before lifting the ball over Watford keeper Ben Foster.
But Gray levelled from from close range for the hosts, who move into seventh in the table, as the game finished as frantically as it began.
Southampton’s point means they are two places and six points above the relegation zone with three games remaining.
Saints also struck the post twice before half-time as Watford struggled, although the hosts were much improved after the break and created several chances in the second half.
Southampton keeper Angus Gunn had just saved a Roberto Pereyra header from close range when a rebound in the area fell kindly for Gray, who shot powerfully past Gunn at the near post.
Watford moved above Everton into seventh place to maintain their prospects of qualifying for the Europa League via their league position, although they also have the chance to play in Europe through their FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Watford shake off early shock and dig deep
Watford were understandably stunned by Long’s record-breaking goal, but Gray nearly equalised within a couple of minutes when Gunn saved a shot at close range.
Gray’s header from the rebound looped over the bar, but Watford looked sluggish as the match calmed down following the frenetic start.
Without suspended captain Troy Deeney, Gerard Deulofeu was Watford’s main threat in the first half with a shot that curled just wide of the post and another that fizzed across the face of goal.
Manager Javi Gracia had withdrawn Cathcart at half-time, with the introduction of Kiko Femenia and a move to three at the back helping to bring about some much-needed improvement.
There was much more urgency from home side after half-time, with Gray and Abdoulaye Doucoure having chances in the opening minutes.
They maintained the pressure throughout the half before Gray’s late equaliser, although the lack of celebrations on the pitch seemed to suggest Watford were far from happy with just a point.
Saints so close to a rapid hit-and-run
Following Long’s early strike, Southampton had more chances to earn what would have been a vital three points before half-time.
Foster had deflected a shot from Nathan Redmond onto his near post, and Ryan Bertrand also struck the upright as the Saints looked to be comfortably controlling the game.
Long’s pace had been decisive in his goal and continued to trouble Watford, until Gracia’s tactical switch at half-time saw the momentum shift in the home side’s favour.
A clever free-kick from James Ward Prowse that nearly caught out Foster at his near post was as close as Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side came to adding to Long’s goal in the second half.
A win over south coast neighbours Bournemouth on Saturday could ensure Southampton’s safety, but there is a chance that the two points they let slip at Watford could still have the worst possible consequences.
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