Watford player ratings vs Crystal Palace – Who impressed for Javi Gracia’s men?
Watford continued their winning start to the season with a somewhat fortuitous 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road. Roberto Pereyra and Jose Holebas scored in the second-half with Wilfried Zaha pulling one back for Roy Hodgson’s men.
The Hornets must count themselves a little lucky to have gone level at half-time after Ben Foster made two fantastic reflex saves to keep the score level. Then, Javi Gracia’s men improved markedly in the second half to score two goals and eventually seal the points.
Here’s how Watford players fared in what was a decent game in Hertfordshire:
Watford player ratings
Ben Foster (8/10)
Made two fantastic saves in the first half to keep the score level, couldn’t do much to save Zaha’s goal.
Daryl Janmaat (7/10)
Looked good going forward but was often caught out higher up the pitch against Patrick van Aanholt. However, he made some decent recovery runs to prevent danger.
Christian Kabasele (6.5/10)
Was defensively good, winning aerial duels and putting in some challenges. His passing was a tad off though, which could have proven risky.
Craig Cathcart (6/10)
Cathcart was a dominant figure at the back but struggled to handle Christian Benteke’s physicality.
Jose Holebas (6/10)
Struggled to cope with Andros Townsend’s trickery but was lucky to score a goal as the cross found the top corner.
Will Hughes (7/10)
Hughes was quiet at the start but grew into the game and began influencing more. When he ticks, Watford ticks.
Abdoulaye Doucoure (7.5/10)
Doucoure put in a combative performance in the midfield, threading incisive passes and covering the space defensively.
Etienne Capoue (8/10)
Assisted Pereyra for the goal and put in a fantastic display from the deep-lying midfield role.
Roberto Pereyra (8/10)
Always looked dangerous when on the ball and he also scored a lovely goal in the second half. The Argentine has really been up for it this season thus far.
Troy Deeney (6.5/10)
Deeney was intent to unsettle the Palace back line with his physicality, and he managed to do just that. He put in a good shift despite not sparking.
Andre Gray (5.5/10)
A quiet one from the striker, who was dominated ruthlessly by Mamadou Sakho. Was rightly subbed off in the second half.
SUBS
Ken Sema (Sub on after 73 mins) (5/10)
Didn’t do a whole lot despite coming on for the last 20 minutes.
Isaac Success (Sub on after 93 mins) (N/A)
No time to impact.