Goals from Roberto Pereyra and Jose Holebas gave Watford a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace as the Hornets made it three victories on the bounce.

The success, which came despite Wilfried Zaha getting Palace back in the game after they trailed 2-0, saw Watford win their opening three top flight games for the first time in the club’s history.

A resolute defensive offering saw Christian Kabasele lead the way at centre-back while Ben Foster and Etienne Capoue also made important contributions.

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

Ben Foster – 7.5

Watford Observer:

Made two vital first half saves when Watford were at their most vulnerable to keep the scores level and lay the foundations for victory.

His one-handed stop from Christian Benteke’s close range header was particularly impressive as he showed superb reactions to deny the forward.

Sloppy at times with his kicks but on other occasions Foster’s distribution started Watford attacks.

Daryl Janmaat – 6.5

Was responsible at the back and looked to get forward when possible. His delivery from wide positions was, however, found wanting on more than one occasion.

Christian Kabasele – 8.5

Outstanding from start to finish, Kabasele put in countless aerial interventions as well as a number of excellent sliding challenges.

His efforts prevented Palace getting shots on target as Zaha and Benteke got little change out of the Belgian.

Craig Cathcart – 7

Continues to form one half of Watford’s imposing centre-back pairing alongside Kabasele. Positioning was excellent as he helped Watford get over the line.

Jose Holebas – 7

Given a tough time by Andros Townsend in the first half as the Palace winger got forward to good effect and many of the Eagles’ better moments came down Holebas’ wing.

Continued his productive start to the season in an attacking sense with the strike which proved to be the winner. His strike came more by fortune than design, but was fair reward for the endeavour he showed in getting forward.

Will Hughes – 6.5

Not among Hughes’ better outings this term, but he was still a game runner and never shied away from taking possession.

A couple of wayward passes in the first half summed up a slow start before he grew into the game as it went on.

Etienne Capoue – 8

Watford Observer:

Watford’s opener owed as much to the Frenchman’s driving run as Pereyra’s precise finish as Capoue shook off two challenges to burst forward.

Was the heartbeat of Watford’s midfield, winning tackles and setting the tempo with his passing game.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7

Like Capoue, helped Watford launch attacks from the centre of the park and also helped contain the Palace midfield.

As energetic as ever and used the ball well to keep Watford on the front foot.

Roberto Pereyra – 8

Another fine display from a player who looks set for a productive campaign having found the net three times already this term.

He took his strike in a manner of a player operating on high confidence levels as he squared up his marker and curled expertly into the bottom corner.

Andre Gray – 6.5

Watford Observer:

Ran in behind and looked to stretch the Palace backline when possible but often toiled to get on the ball.

Gray’s hold up play has improved this term and he managed to link up with runners from midfield when he could.

Troy Deeney – 7

Led the line well, battling hard to win possession and bring other into the game. Also played an important part in proceedings as Watford held on to their lead late on as he came deep to win defensive headers.

SUBS

Ken Sema – 6 

Given just under 20 minutes to impress and didn’t shirk the challenge. Sema ran gamely and did well in offering Watford an outlet late in the game.

Isaac Success – N/A

Only came on in stoppage time.