WATFORD A TAYLOR MADE WIN Cathcart shows spirit of club legend
WATFORD duly paid tribute to the man who turned them from humble to a household name.
Two years to the day former manager Graham Taylor, their club builder and dream-maker died, they showed the type of spirit he once instilled.
No one more so than Craig Cathcart whose own-goal put Palace ahead and who then headed Watford’s equaliser at a time when they were under the cosh.
Watford manager Javi Gracia said: “He is a fighter and no wonder he has played so many minutes for this club. I trust him because he always shows a high level of commitment.
“This is probably one of the most satisfying wins of my career. We have always given extra, particularly away from home.”
Palace manager Roy Hodgson said: “To win games you have to take your chances. We didn’t. This is tough to take, tougher when you’ve been in front and for long periods been the best side.
“I did not know Graham well but he would have been proud of Watford today. He was a football icon and greatly missed.”
Watford hit the same post in successive seconds within three minutes. Gerard Deulofeu drilled a decent effort from 15 yards and then Roberto Pereyra hit his follow-up into the same spot.
It was a warning sign Palace accepted and they gradually dulled the pressure from a side they had beaten in five of their last seven games at home.
This was a game in which both sides waited for the opposition to make a mistake. Both defences stayed firm, midfield was lively but the final third left much to be desired.
Palace sometimes forgot they needed to win rather than entertain. They offered much but supplied little and the result was a sixth home defeat of the season.
They took the lead in the 38th minute. You lost count of players trying to hack away Luka Milivojevic’s minute corner before Abdoulaye Doucoure’s attempted clearance smacked the body of Cathcart and crossed the line.
There was more drama when Palace keeper Vicente Guaita went off injured minutes before half time and was replaced by Wayne Hennessey, facing an FA probe into allegations he made a Nazi salute on a bonding dinner with German team mate Max Meyer.
Palace had a chances to increase their lead, but Ben Foster made superb saves to deny Wilfried Zaha then Milivojevic.
Watford, without looking their usual buzzing, aggressive self, were still dangerous and were rewarded after 67 minutes when Cathcart equalised from Jose Holebas’ raking corner.
Palace survived when Mamadou Sakho cleared off the line after Deulofeu’s cross bounced off Cheikou Kouyate but their relief did not last long.
Substitute Tom Cleverley volleyed the winner in the 74th minute after Holebas’ long throw bounced around the Palace box. ■ Watford midfielder Tom Cleverley scored his first Premier League goal since October 2017 – 18 league games without a goal.