Aston Villa came into this game off the back of ten consecutive defeats but stunned their own supporters by taking the lead through Ciaran Clark’s first-half header.

The Hornets levelled the contest just before the break when Almen Abdi curled his free-kick into the corner of the net.

But Villa reclaimed the lead at the start of the second half when Jordan Ayew fired a low strike past Heurelho Gomes.

The visitors were reduced to ten men in the final 20 minutes after Aly Cissokho was dismissed for a challenge on Ikechi Anya.

There was still time for late drama as Troy Deeney headed home an equaliser before firing in a winner shortly afterwards to snatch a dramatic 3-2 win.

But how did the Hornets fare individually during yesterday's match at Vicarage Road?

Heurelho Gomes – 6: Barely had anything to do before picking the ball out of the net from Ciaran Clark’s opener.

The Hornets keeper could do nothing about Villa’s second either after a pinpoint finish from Jordan Ayew and was not busy during the game.

Juan Carlos Paredes - 4.5: The right-back was prepared to attack but the quality of his passing was poor and too often possession was lost cheaply.

Suspect defensively and caught out early in the second half as Villa threatened to score a third goal.

Really struggled and the fans cheered his early exit after being replaced before the hour mark which told a story.

Craig Cathcart - 6: The centre-back did well to divert Ashley Westwood’s free-kick out for a corner.

Loose in possession at times but managed to make an important block from Rudy Gestede’s well-struck shot.

Miguel Britos - 5.5: Did not look particularly comfortable dealing with the physical threat of Rudy Gestede. 

Not one of his best matches recently as Villa caused a surprising amount of problems for the Watford defence.

Ikechi Anya – 6: Made a lively start to the match and the left-back was always prepared to go forward.

But did not look comfortable defensively and had trouble dealing with Aston Villa’s attackers.

His counter-attack in the second half was significant. It led to a challenge from Aly Cissokho when through on goal and a red card for the Villa player.

Almen Abdi – 6.5: Still did not look particularly comfortable on the right side of midfield and unsurprisingly cut inside when able to.

The midfielder fired an effort wide of the target as the hosts chased an equaliser. Launched an attack down the middle but the move broke down disappointingly.

But Abdi scored the hosts’ equaliser just before half-time when he curled his free-kick past goalkeeper Mark Bunn.

Switched to right-back following Steven Berghuis’ introduction and he deserves credit for adapting to a variety of roles regardless of his suitability for the position.

Ben Watson - 6: Almost scored a sensational opener midway through the first half but his long-range volley smashed against the top of the bar.

The midfielder floated a ball over the top for Ikechi Anya to run onto and this resulted in the challenge which saw Aly Cissokho sent off.

Mario Suarez – 5: Comfortable in possession of the ball with short passes but an ambitious longer ball to Ikechi Anya was over hit before the break.

The few times he tried to create openings with forward passes failed to come off and it was an ineffective display from the midfielder.

Jose Manuel Jurado - 6: Launched an attack for the Hornets in the first half but the move was wasted after his cross was too far in front of the strikers.

Set up a chance after the break for Troy Deeney from a corner but did not look threatening from open play.

Troy Deeney – 7.5: The captain provided an excellent early flick-on and looked hungry to make an impression against Aston Villa.

Deeney almost levelled the game during the second half but the striker’s header was cleared off the line.

Watford's talisman rose superbly to head home Steven Berghuis’ late cross. Incredibly there was still time for Deeney to rifle home the winner after a dramatic turnaround.

Odion Ighalo - 6: Had an early opportunity after a neat turn in the box but his shot was charged down by a defender.

The striker was looking a lot livelier in the first half than in recent games and his low shot from a tight angle was blocked by goalkeeper Mark Bunn’s legs.

Should have done better from a late attack in the half but his pass to Jose Manuel Jurado was far too heavy.

Quiet after the break although Ighalo did play a role in the build-up to Deeney's injury-time winner.

Substitutes

Steven Berghuis (for Juan Carlos Paredes, 57) – 7.5: Promising early touch as he produced an excellent long ball over the top for Troy Deeney.

Tried to get involved and certainly looked as likely as any Watford player to create an opportunity during his time on the pitch. Fired a late effort wide of the target.

Produced a superb delivery to set up Deeney’s late equaliser and his performance staked a strong claim for a place in the team at Liverpool.

Nordin Amrabat (for Jose Manuel Jurado, 70) – 6: Sent in a dangerous cross which crept just too high for Odion Ighalo to get his head to.