Crystal Palace made it three wins on the spin with a scrappy 1-0 win against Watford on Saturday afternoon at the Selhurst Park, courtesy of an own goal from Troy Deeney.
In what was a largely uneventful first-half, the home team came really into the game late in the half as they threatened to break the deadlock, with some increased pressure in the closing stages of the first period.
It continued to be a scrappy affair in the early parts of the second half as well, but the game was settled from a set-piece situation halfway through, when Deeney – so often a thorn in the Palace side, deflected a Yohan Cabaye free-kick into his own net via the post.
The win sees Sam Allardyce’s side move into the 16th place, four points above the relegation zone and the boss will be hoping the series of results keep continuing. Here is how the Palace players fared on the day:
Crystal Palace Player Ratings
Wayne Hennessey – 6/10
The Welsh international was rarely troubled. A largely comfortable afternoon, made a good save to deny Doucoure when he was called upon.
Joel Ward – 6/10
Got stuck in and put in a defensively strong and extremely solid effort on the right side of the defence.
James Tomkins – 8/10
Brilliant at the heart of the defence. Dealt with the threat of the Troy Deeney admirably. Came off to a standing ovation from the Eagles faithful.
Mamadou Sakho – 6/10
Not as strong as his previous two outings, but put in a committed display to protect the clean sheet. Made a meal of a couple of clearances.
Jeffrey Schlupp – 6/10
Came into the line-up for the injured Patrick van Aanholt. Put in a steady shift and got forward whenever he was afforded the space.
Luka Milivojevic – 7/10
The January signing continues to impress in the middle of the park. Brought in a much-needed steeliness to the midfield and shielded the defence well.
Yohan Cabaye – 7/10
An industrious and a hard-working effort in the midfield from the Frenchman. It was his free-kick that Deeney diverted into his own net.
Jason Puncheon – 6/10
Could not be faulted for his effort. But seemed to lack the quality to really impose himself on the game.
Andros Townsend – 5/10
Not the best game for the former Tottenham man. Struggled on the wings and was largely ineffective. End product into the box wasn’t upto the mark.
Wilfried Zaha – 7/10
Was a constant menace from the opposite flank. Caused plenty of problems to the Watford defence. Had an early penalty claim declined.
Christian Benteke – 5/10
Once again isolated at the top. Seems to be growing frustrated with every passing game. Needs a goal badly.
Substitutes
Scott Dann – 6/10
Came in for Tomkins in the late stages and shored up the defence.
Damien Delaney – N/A
Came on to replace Townsend late in the game to protect the lead.
Bakary Sako – N/A
Replaced Cabaye in the 87th minute. Not enough time to make an impact.