Brighton & Hove Albion's issues on the road continued at the start of the 2018-19 campaign as they were brushed aside by Watford.

Roberto Pereyra scored both goals - including a sublime volley - as Watford began the new Premier League season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Vicarage Road.

Javi Gracia's hosts controlled the game throughout to pick up the three points against a travel-sick Brighton side who, despite a busy transfer window, carried little threat in attack to continue a worrying trend on the road.

Pereyra opened the scoring in the 35th minute with the one moment of genuine quality in a first half where Watford huffed and puffed in open play without enjoying too much success.

However, a clever set-piece move saw the hosts deservedly take the lead. Jose Holebas' deep corner picked out his unmarked team-mate on the edge of the penalty area, allowing Pereyra to unleash a volley that goalkeeper Mat Ryan could only palm into the top right corner of his net.