Watford return to winning ways as quick-fire goals bring Wolves back to Earth

Wolves 0-2 Watford: Nuno Espírito Santo's side lost their first league game since August

Wolves struck twice in quick succession in the first half (Getty)

Dominant Watford ended Wolves' nine-month unbeaten home record with their 50th Premier League victory – and continued the dreaded manager of the month curse.

Goals within 50 seconds on 20 and 21 minutes from Etienne Capoue and Roberto Pereyra gave Watford their fifth win of the season and inflicted Wolves' first defeat at Molineux since Nottingham Forest beat them by the same scoreline in January.

A first defeat in seven for Wolves meant it was a quick fall from grace for Nuno Espirito Santo, who was named the Premier League's manager of the month for September.

But Wolves, unchanged for the ninth successive Premier League game in a row, actually created the first chance yet were otherwise well below par.

Ryan Bennett's header, which was deflected off Adrian Mariappa, was tipped over the bar by keeper Ben Foster following Joao Moutinho's corner.

But two goals in a minute quickly changed the game, enabling Watford to control the rest of the first half.

Capoue broke the deadlock when his long-range that went through Conor Coady's legs and left keeper Rui Patricio rooted to the spot after a neat passing move involving Pereyra and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Four touches and just seconds later, after Moutinho twice lost the ball at the restart, it was 2-0 when Pereyra was left unmarked to fire home left-footed on the run after Capoue split the defence.

Capoue scored his tenth career Premier League goal (Action Images via Reuters)

Wolves were at sixes and sevens and their hearts were in their mouths soon afterwards when Willy Boly chopped down Isaac Success.

Replays showed the offence took place just outside the box rather than inside, and the free kick hit the defensive wall.

Watford looked far superior to Wolves, who had midfielder Ruben Neves booked for a foul on Will Hughes, and the visitors outpassed the hosts at will.

Not surprisingly, Watford were the only likely scorers for the rest of the first period.

Doucoure had a tame shot on the turn saved by Rui Patricio before Kiko Femenia's shot was deflected wide with the last kick of the half.

Wolves made a switch at half-time as they looked to get back into the game and brought on Ruben Vinagre for Jonny at left wing back.

But it made little difference initially as Watford broke again, this time with Success running through only to lash a rising effort high over the bar within seconds of the restart.

Wolves finally created a chance worthy of the word in the 48th minute but Raul Jimemez's diving header from Vinagre's cross was smothered by Foster.

Wolves have lost their first league match since August (PA)

But, not helped by a series of disputed decisions from referee Lee Mason that went against them, their frustrations grew.

Nuno's side thought they had a breakthrough on the hour when Helder Costa put Diogo Jota clean through, but the Portuguese forward, goalless so far this season, was quickly crowded out and the chance was lost.

Wolves introduced Ivan Cavaleiro for Jimenez up front as they looked to unlock Watford and a goal threat did come, this time when Boly's backheel was saved on the line by Foster.

Watford might have scored a third goal but for a superb tackle by Ruben Neves on Doucoure as he bore down on goal from Pereyra's square pass following a giveaway by Moutinho.

Wolves carved out more opportunities as they sought a way through. Moutinho, who looked unusually off the boil, curled over from Costa's pull back before Cavaleiro glanced over from Vinagre's centre.

Neves was a foot too high with a swirling free kick and Costa couldn't keep down a volley that flew over.

Wolves continued to force the pressure and Costa's curling shot was deflected wide before Cavaleiro glanced goalwards from Moutinho's free kick but it was too little, too late for a Wolves wide who looked strangely off the pace after their impressive start to the season.