A dreadful mistake from Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc means Watford’s worst half of football this season hasn’t been punished. The Hornets are level at 1-1 with the Cherries at half time of their Premier League clash.

Glenn Murray headed the home side in front in the 28th minute but, on the stroke of half time, Boruc passed the ball to Odion Ighalo and the Nigerian kept his composure to round the keeper and slot home.

There was just one change to the Hornets side which began last weekend’s defeat to Crystal Palace. Jose Manuel Jurado missed the game through injury and was replaced by Nathan Ake. The Dutchman slotted in at left-back with Ikechi Anya playing as a right winger.

Both sides were renowned for their attacking intent in the Championship so it was little surprise the game started at a brisk tempo.

The hosts had the first chance as Glenn Murray, who started in place of the injured Callum Wilson, connected with an excellent Matt Ritchie cross. Fortunately for the visitors the striker could only guide his header over.

Eddie Howe’s side controlled the majority of the opening period. They pressed the Golden Boys midfield and continuously won back the ball.

With Watford unable to control possession their defence struggled and looked nervy. Marc Pugh forced Heurelho Gomes into a low stop with a shot from distance before the Golden Boys snuffed out a Cherries counter-attack that had been led by Joshua King.

But, eventually, the hosts’ pressure paid dividends. Ritchie had been a constant threat down the Hornets’ left flank and he created the opening goal.

The winger shifted the ball back on to his trusted left foot, clipped a cross into the Watford penalty area and Glenn Murray escaped the attention of Sebastian Prödl and glanced his header past Gomes.

Bournemouth continued to pile forward but weren’t able to add to their advantage. Murray was booked for a reckless challenge on Etienne Capoue in the latter stages of the half. Had the striker not just glanced the Frenchman he could have been seeing a different colour card.

Just as Quique Sanchez Flores was preparing his half time team talk his side levelled. Boruc received a pass but hit attempt to move the ball to Sylvain Distin was casual and Ighalo intercepted the ball.

The striker remained cool. He wrong-footed the Bournemouth stopper and rolled the ball into the empty net.

Bournemouth: Boruc, Francis, Cook, Distin, Daniels, Ritchie, Gosling, Surman, Pugh, King, Murray.

Bournemouth Substitutes: Federici, Cargill, Bennett, Smith, O'Kane, Tomlin, Kermorgant.

Watford: Gomes; Nyom, Prödl, Cathcart, Ake; Capoue, Watson; Abdi, Deeney, Anya; Ighalo.

Watford Substitutes: Arlauskis, Britos, Paredes, Guedioura, Ibarbo, Diamanti, Dyer.