Performances rated as Watford defeat Newcastle United in the FA Cup

The game was one that will not live long in the memory of supporters, but there were still some players who stood out above the others.

Here’s how we rated the Hornets’ individual performances:

Heurelho Gomes – 6

The records will show that Gomes kept a clean sheet, but an inanimate object could have achieved as much, such was the lack of goal mouth action created by the home side.

Nevertheless, the keeper’s presence was still important and he did all that was asked of him.

Daryl Janmaat – 7

The Dutchman brushed off boos from Newcastle fans and was a constant threat down the right hand side.

In defence he kept Kenedy quiet and helped to quell any of Newcastle’s attacks, showing that he is more than capable of filling in for the first team.

He could have had an assist to his name if Isaac Success had been sharper in front of goal.

Miguel Britos – 7

Newcastle really struggled to create chances and the Watford defenders can take most of the credit for that.

Britos started in the middle and was pushed out to the left when it was clear that Adam Masina was struggling with Jacob Murphy’s pace and he performed his job dutifully, using his skill and experience to help earn the clean sheet.

Craig Cathcart – 7

Cathcart returned from injury and put in a solid display at the back.

He was resolute, tough and kept Joselu quiet throughout, beating him in the air and not allowing him to hold the ball up and bring other players into the game.

Adam Masina – 6

The Italian struggled to deal with Jacob Murphy in the early stages of the match and needed some help from the rest of his defenders.

Gracia identified the problem and reshuffled his side, moving Masina out of defence.

He went on to have a fairly anonymous game and no first team regulars will be worried about him taking their place.

Ben Wilmot – 7

Before the match Wilmot said he thought his performance against Woking merited more game time and this performance justified that suggestion.

The 19-year-old started in midfield but moved back into defence after Gracia shifted his players around.

In the back four he showed why he is starting to get first team game time, despite his age.

He also kept the clean sheet intact when he headed Newcastle’s only shot on goal off the line.

Nathaniel Chalobah – 6

This game presented a chance for Chalobah to really make his mark and, despite a lively start, he faded as time went on.

Some of his decision making was questionable and he was frequently dispossessed.

There is undoubtedly talent there, but one gets the feeling it has been stifled through a lack of first team opportunities.

Domingos Quina – 8

Where Chalobah failed to impress, Quina excelled.

His work rate was admirable and he showed both guile and panache in possession while earning an assist through a perfectly weighted pass.

He almost scored a peach early on with an effort that stung the fingertips of Freddie Woodman.

Will Hughes – 7

After picking up a frustrating injury at Crystal Palace, Hughes returned to the fold and put in a slick performance.

He was quiet for patches in the game, but he twice played Andre Gray in for excellent goal-scoring chances, one of which he converted.

Such moments of quality were rare in the game and he proved to be a vital part of Watford’s success.

Andre Gray – 7

Another player who has had his Watford career hampered by disappointing injuries is Andre Gray, but he returned against Newcastle and put in a performance that showed he is still a player with great attacking instincts.

He squandered one opportunity, but took his goal with great aplomb and overall remained calm and patient where others would have panicked and allowed frustration to get the better of them.

Isaac Success – 6

For a man who has seemed so lacking in confidence of late, scoring will have done Success the world of good. However, the goal did not tell the whole story of the Nigerian’s game.

He missed a sitter early on and was regularly bullied and dispossessed by Newcastle’s defenders.

Sometimes it seems he does not realise quite how strong he is and he allows people to get the better of him without putting up much of a fight. Hopefully the goal will see him turn a corner, but he still has a lot to learn.

SUBS:

Adalberto Penaranda – 6

Penaranda did not have much of an opportunity to impress after coming off the bench, but he did play a noteworthy part in the second goal and gave the Newcastle defenders something different to worry about.

Etienne Capoue – N/A

Joined the game too late to make an impact.