Jermain Defoe scored in the dying minutes of stoppage-time to deny Watford all three points as they played out a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets took the lead through the impressive Kiko Femenia’s first goal for the club before a rush of blood from Jose Holebas allowed the Cherries to level.

The left-back needlessly handled the ball in the box to concede a penalty which was calmly converted by Joshua King.

Watford started the second half brightly and were rewarded for their endeavour when Roberto Pereyra put them back ahead soon after the restart.

However, defensive sloppiness reared its head once again at the death as Defoe was left completely unmarked to score from Nathan Ake’s flick-on after a long ball forward.

Here’s how the Hornets rated at the Vicarage Road.

Orestis Karnezis – 7

Made a number of smart stops, not least when denying Junior Stanislas in the first half and was left painfully exposed by his defence.

Holebas brainless handball and the failure to mark Defoe in for the Cherries second will have left the keeper frustrated after a solid display.

Daryl Janmaat – 6.5

Grew into the game after a slow start which saw him allow Stanislas to turn inside and create a chance from the edge of the box.

Linked up well with Femenia on the right side and the duo look to be forging a strong relationship going forward.

Adrian Mariappa – 5.5

Watford Observer:

Lucky to avoid gifting King a goal in the first half after a wayward touch let the forward in and owed a debt to Sebastian Prodl who made an excellent recovering challenge.

Failed to pick up Defoe for the late leveller on an afternoon the centre-back failed to reach the levels he has set all season.

Sebastian Prodl – 7

Commanding in defence as his aforementioned goal-saving tackle proved and also made a number of other important interventions.

Booked in the second half and was replaced as a precaution after feeling discomfort.

Jose Holebas – 4.5

Utterly mindless when giving away a late first half penalty by punching the ball out of play late in the first half.

It is was the sort of moment of rashness the left-back has been liable to commit during his Watford spell and undermined his performance.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7

Used the ball well and was typically energetic at the heart of the Watford midfield. After a week in which he has courted a move away once again, showed his focus remains at Watford for now at least.

Etienne Capoue – 7

Another solid display alongside Doucoure at the heart of Watford’s midfield and positional sense was sound. Linked up well with attacking players and seems to be enjoying his football at the moment.

Kiko Femenia – 8.5

Showed great technique to keep his volley from the edge of the box down and was rewarded with a deflection which gave him his first Watford goal.

A real threat down the right wing and has staked a claim to play further forward on a regular basis. Some useful crosses created chances and almost had a second goal with another volleyed effort.

Will Hughes – 8.5

Watford Observer:

Drifted about the Watford front line and showed some delightful touches to link up play in the final third.

His connection with Femenia will have been particularly pleasing for Watford supporters and having Hughes at full fitness is a big plus for the Hornets.

Richarlison, who was left out for the former Derby man, could face a tough task getting back into the starting XI based on the evidence of Hughes’ offering against the Cherries.

Roberto Pereyra – 6.5

Quiet in the extreme in the first half but came into the match after the break. Took his goal well and grew in confidence after finding the net.

Troy Deeney – 6.5

Watford Observer:

Physical display from the Watford skipper and held the ball up way at the point of the attack. Hiss run inside from the left flank led to Watford’s second goal.

SUBS

Craig Cathcart – 6

After not playing for Watford since August, it was a pleasure to see Cathcart back in action and the Northern Irishman held his own for his near half-hour display.

Stefano Okaka – 6

A reckless challenge, in which he led with his elbow gave Bournemouth the free-kick from which they scored their equaliser.

With the foul coming inside the Bournemouth half, however, it was the defence and not Okaka who will take the blame for Defoe’s goal.

Richarlison – N/A

Didn’t let starting on the bench get him down and showed flashes of his ability by beating his man on a number of occasions.

A 10 minute cameo meant he wasn’t given enough time to really make an impression.