Shane Duffy continued his return to form in the Premier League, scoring a brilliant goal for Brighton as Graham Potter's side earned their second win of the new season.
Potter praised the Irish defender for his commitment, but also his attitude in training and on the pitch in Brighton's two matches thus far.
Helping them to their victory, Duffy scored a spectacular goal from a header to put the hosts in the lead, while Aaron Connolly contributed well without scoring to Brighton's first ever back-to-back winning start to the Premier League season.
Brighton went up two goals ahead of half time with Neal Maupay scoring just before half time before defending their lead for the remainder of the match and keeping out a resurgent Watford attack.
#BHAFC have the lead and it's a magnificent header from the returning Duffy 🎯 pic.twitter.com/ZhigvJifCt
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 21, 2021
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Duffy discussed his comeback after a difficult season with Celtic last year, and what it meant for him to be back scoring goals in Brighton.
"We got off to the perfect start really, and in that first half we controlled the whole half," Duffy said. "In the second half they went for it and had nothing to lose.
"There are no easy wins in this league, obviously, so we are obviously delighted and it was a special day for the Brighton fans back in, it was rocking.
"It was amazing [to score in front of the Brighton fans]. It is just a special place for me, and to score here in my first home game back after a difficult year it was an amazing feeling.
"You have to believe in yourself. I am just delighted that the club have given me the chance to help me and get me back. I owe a lot to this club, and I am just taking it step by step. If I can help this club in any way, I will," Duffy added.
"I have come a long way in my career. I am still trying to prove people wrong, I thrive off it, and I enjoy it. I know what I can bring to a team, and the manager and the players believe in it."
🗣 "Special day for the fans back, and full house, and it was rocking."
Brighton's Shane Duffy was delighted with his sides performance and to have the fans back after their 2-0 win against Watford 🎯 pic.twitter.com/LXlr1ik0RL— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 21, 2021
Duffy's manager praised the defender's attitude after his poor season with Celtic in the previous season, suggesting that he was just the person that Brighton needed for the new Premier League season.
"He has done really, really well," Potter told Sky Sports. "Both games in fact since he has been back he has been a breath of fresh air.
"In terms of how he has been with the group, how he has worked professionally day-to-day, it is a credit to him, and we just want to help him enjoy his football.
"It looks like he is, so that is great for us."
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