Crystal Palace brought Watford back down to earth with a 1-0 win at Selhurst Park a week after the Hornets had stunned Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Jordan Ayew’s 28th-minute goal settled this fiery contest to move the Eagles onto 39 points – one off the magic total which usually guarantees top flight survival – and toast Roy Hodgson’s new contract with a victory.
While there were no pre-game handshakes between the players due to coronavirus fears, tackles were allowed and Cheikhou Kouyate felt the full force of Adam Masina’s boot early on.
First Abdoulaye Doucoure dribbled into the area and tested Vicente Guaita from a tight angle and then Ismaila Sarr’s follow-up strike was deflected wide for a corner.
Palace’s Spainish goalkeeper had to deal with the resulting set-piece, but his punch was poor and the ball dropped invitingly for Christian Kabasele, though his weak effort was blocked by Joel Ward.
Watford were dictating, with the hosts uncharacteristically sloppy on the ball and Hodgson’s frustration on the touchline was visible.
That all changed in the 28th minute when Palace produced their first meaningful attack and went ahead through Ayew’s eighth goal of the term.
The Ivorian’s history with the Hornets was well documented and the rivalry between the two teams had grown since their meeting in the Championship play-off final in 2013, which was decided by a penalty won by the winger.
As referee Anthony Taylor tried to restore order, the Watford midfielder lowered his head into the face of the Eagles number 11, who reacted by pushing Capoue’s head away. VAR reviewed the the incident, but deemed neither violent conduct.
Cautions were being handed out regularly now, but the focus was back on football when Zaha was denied by Ben Foster’s legs in the 56th minute.
Down the other end, Roberto Pereyra had a weak shot saved by Guaita after Scott Dann blocked Troy Deeney’s goalbound effort.
Guaita was at it again three minutes later to thwart Doucoure’s header and although Pearson introduced Danny Welbeck and Ignacio Pussetto with 16 minutes left, the hosts held on for a third consecutive 1-0 victory.
