Watford's scrappy draw at home to Crystal Palace will be remembered as the day Troy Deeney scored his 100th goal for the club.

The Hornets suffered a miserable start to the match with Daryl Janmaat and Valon Behrami forced off due to injury inside the opening 13 minutes.

It did not get any better for Walter Mazzarri’s side after Yohan Cabaye fired Sam Allardyce’s new team into the lead.

The hosts conceded a penalty when Heurelho Gomes fouled Christian Benteke but the goalkeeper kept out the striker’s shocking effort.

But Watford equalised in the second half when the visitors conceded a penalty and Deeney smashed his effort in to reach his milestone and secure a 1-1 draw.

Heurelho Gomes - 7 

Conceded a penalty although it was not all his own fault as he was put in a difficult position from a lousy back pass.

But the Hornets goalkeeper saved Christian Benteke’s dreadful spot-kick and had relatively little to do during the game.

Miguel Britos - 6

Picked up a costly late booking for a foul on Wifried Zaha which rules him out of the Tottenham game. Otherwise a fairly solid defensive display.

Younes Kaboul - 5

The centre-back was caught out for the goal after playing Yohan Cabaye onside which proved costly. He was also far too casual in possession needlessly giving away the ball at times.

Sebastian Prodl - 6

Made an important interception to deny Christian Benteke but was fortunate the striker made a mess of the opportunity.

The defender produced an uncharacteristic mistake with his awful back pass which led to the Eagles’ penalty. But he won the crucial spot-kick for his side which enabled them to equalise.

Watford Observer:

Jose Holebas - 6

The defender was beaten too easily by Andros Townsend in the build-up to the opening goal.

Booked after the break for a poor challenge on Jason Puncheon and did not offer much of an attacking threat.

Daryl Janmaat - N/A

The Dutch wing-back’s luck with injuries is not getting any better after he pulled up in the fourth minute of the game and was forced off.

Valon Behrami - N/A

The midfielder had no real chance to impress before suffering a hamstring injury which led to his early exit.

Etienne Capoue - 5

Very quiet in the first half as he failed to impose himself on the game. Needlessly gave the ball away after the break and again appears to be going through the motions. Watford need more from him.

Adlene Guedioura - 6

Played an excellent crossfield pass to Nordin Amrabat in the first half and was trying his best to make something happen.

But gave the ball away cheaply in the second half with the hosts chasing the game and still does not convince as being up to the required Premier League standard.

Nordin Amrabat - 5.5

Wasted an opportunity to set up a chance after a disappointing cross from Adlene Guedioura’s pass.

Lacked the usual attacking quality which has seen him look the most likely creator for the Hornets during much of this season.

Watford Observer:

Odion Ighalo - 5.5

No lack of effort from the Nigerian but the striker was unable to find an opening in the first half.

Had one opportunity after the break but failed to hit the target and it summed up a calendar year to forget for Ighalo.

Substitutes

Juan Camilo Zuniga - 5.5 (for Janmaat, 4)

Struggled to make an impression after being brought on for Daryl Janmaat virtually straight after the kick-off.

Tried a few tricks in the second half but unconvincing display saw the substitute taken off before the end.

Watford Observer:

Troy Deeney - 6 (for Behrami, 13)

The Hornets captain was introduced much earlier than expected but again looked off the pace for the remainder of the first half.

But the talisman had his long-awaited moment in the second period when he smashed in the penalty for his 100th Watford goal.

Obviously a great achievement for Deeney but did little else of note aside from his confident spot-kick.

Jerome Sinclair - N/A (for Zuniga, 85)

No chance to shine after being given a few minutes at the end of the match.