Watford 2-1 Southampton: Hornets hold on to win Championship opener

It has been almost 13 weeks since Southampton were unceremoniously expelled from last season’s Championship play-off final, but the full fallout from the scandal remains to be seen.

Saints were docked four points as part of their punishment – and after this defeat, that deficit remains – but the FA’s investigation into head coach Tonda Eckert rumbles on.

BBC Sport has been told that an FA hearing is likely to be held in mid-September. Once the result is known, and with the possibility of an appeal to follow, Southampton will be a significant way into their campaign.

Until then, the show must go on.

Despite their points deduction, Southampton’s players and head coach have made it clear that they are targeting automatic promotion.

Eckert will be concerned by his side’s susceptibility to counter-attacks against Watford, but their second-half dominance after Larin’s goal should provide some encouragement.