Watford 2-1 Crystal Palace: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Andre Gray Fires Hornets to Wembley

Andre Gray's winner just two minutes after coming on earned Watford a hard fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in their FA Cup quarter-final clash at Vicarage Road.

Watford's meticulous approach to the game paid dividends just before the half-hour mark, as Etienne Capoue opened the scoring for the hosts after 27 minutes.


A trio of successive corners culminated in the former ​Tottenham man reacting quickest to Craig Cathcart's cute layoff in the box to side foot into the roof of the net.

​Palace looked a totally different side in the second half, more courageous in attack, with Michy Batshuayi's pressing from the front resulting in the equaliser after 62 minutes - the Belgian pouncing on Adrian Mariappa's poor control and charged at Gomes, finishing well into the far corner.


​​Just as it seemed Palace were getting control of the match, Roberto Pereyra floated a beautiful ball over the top for substitute Gray to volley home two minutes after coming on. It was scenes of jubilation and desperation at the final whistle, as Watford reached Wembley once more.


Here's 90min's report of the action.


Watford

Key Talking Point

It has been a season to remember for Javi Gracia's team, well in the hunt for European football next term and enjoying a stellar cup run heading into Saturday's encounter.

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After a slow start to the tie, the Hornets began to assert their dominance that their league position would suggest they would have. After Capoue's opener, it was the hosts who looked the most likely grab the crucial second goal before half time, however failed to do so, thus allowing Palace back into the game. 


It was a worrying beginning to the second period as the Eagles were in the ascendancy and seemingly the more likely to find a winner after having drawn level. Cometh the hour, cometh the man though, as aastute substitution by Gracia made the desired impact, with Gray needing just two minutes to justify his manager's decision.

Their performance was not one of glitz and glamour, yet the gritty way they ground out the win was a perfect embodiment of the club's never-say-die attitude this term.


Player Ratings

Starting XI: Gomes (6); Femenia (6), Cathcart (7), Mariappa (5), Holebas (6); Hughes (7), Capoue (7), Doucoure (7), Pereyra (7); Deulofeu (8*), Deeney (7)


Substitutes: Masina (6), Gray (7), Cleverley (N/A)


STAR MAN - Gerard Deulofeu


Having adopted a new striker role for Watford this season, the Spaniard has flourished this campaign, forging a fine strike partnership with Troy Deeney as the pair complement each other in their contrasting styles.

Gerard Deulofeu

The 25-year-old has blistering pace and showcased that on numerous occasion on Saturday afternoon, pushing his team forward and running at the Palace back line. He had three efforts saved by Vicente Guaita in the first half and had he put one of those away, you feel it would put the game out of sight for the visitors.

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​​Crystal Palace

Key Talking Point

This growing rivalry between these two has escalated in recent years, with the clubs facing the next instalment of their FA Cup history in a repeat of the 2016 semi final - where the visitors eventually lost in the final to Manchester United.

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Without key players ​Zaha and Patrick van Aanholt, their approach to the game was one of trying to gain control in midfield and feed Andros Townsend down the left whenever possible. 

They started well, winning the 'ugly' side of the game but their lack of quality was noticeable as the hosts began to grow into the tie. 

Their lacklustre performance was in no way due to a lack of trying, with their 3,000 away supporters pushing them on and Hodgson eager for a first ever FA Cup semi final as a manager. 

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A far more adventurous Palace emerged after the break and Batshuayi's leveller was just rewards for their endeavour. However, their inability to capitalise when on top ultimately cost Hodgson's men as their lack of cutting edge in the final third payed it's toll.


Player Ratings


Starting XI: Guaita (5); Schlupp (6), Tomkins (6), Kelly (6), Wan-Bissaka (7); McArthur (7) Milivojevic (7), Kouyate (6); Meyer (6), Batshuayi (7*), Townsend (7)

Substitutes: Benteke (5)



STAR MAN - Michy Batshuayi

Up front Batshuayi cut a lonely figure, barely getting a touch of the ball in the first half and clearly frustrated with the lack of creativity in his side. Just as the signs of a good goalkeeper are when they can stay focussed to make a key save, an effective forward must do the same when hardly getting a sniff.

The Belgian did just that, first coming close with a rasping drive that struck the stanchion, before pouncing on Mariappa's mistake and producing a superb finish to haul his side back into contention. His effort and application was clear but he simply wasn't given enough service to thrive on throughout the 90 minutes.


Looking Ahead


Watford can enjoy a long break with international football returning, so won't play again until the March 30 when they travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Palace have the same length of break before they travel to the John Smith's Stadium to face relegation threatened Huddersfield.


Source : 90min