WATFORD ARE LIKE A BAG OF REVELS (YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU’LL GET!)

WATFORD’S resemblance to a bag of Revels was evident at Selhurst Park. It was not that they were easy to rip open but rather that you never know what you are going to get with Javi Gracia’s side. In the first half, they trailed 1-0, having not tested Crystal Palace with a single shot on target. They emerged for the second half an entirely different team — one more determined to get a result. As time ticked on, Gracia reached into his bag and pulled out Tom Cleverley. The substitute came on in the 68th minute and scored a superb volleyed winner. Bookmakers tipped Watford for a relegation battle but they are now seventh. What they need now is consistency, and it was nice to see Cleverley get their winner after his year-long lay-off with an achilles tendon injury. ‘I know people have far worse problems out there,’ said Cleverley, 29. ‘But when you are a footballer coming back from injury it takes over your life. There were some real low points when I felt as though I had no purpose. It’s tough mentally.’ Palace manager Roy Hodgson was in no mood to be quizzed after seeing his side lose. The FA are investigating Wayne Hennessey for performing an alleged Nazi salute while posing for a photo. Hodgson said of the incident: ‘I’ve never given it more than a few seconds’ thought and I don’t intend to give it more than that now.’