Football news - Watford come from behind for 2-1 win at Palace

Palace survived two Watford shots on the same post in the third minute and went in front seven minutes before halftime with an own goal by Craig Cathcart in a goalmouth melee following a corner.

Defender Cathcart equalised in the 67th minute when he beat his marker James Tomkins to the ball following a corner and headed past substitute goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey at the far post with Watford’s first effort on target.

Substitute Tom Cleverley stunned Palace with the winner seven minutes later, volleying Tomkins’s clearance into the top corner.

Watford could have gone ahead after three minutes when Gerard Deulofeu hit the far post with a low shot from the right that beat goalkeeper Vicente Guaita’s dive and Roberto Pereyra hit the same upright with a follow-up shot from the left.

Palace were left to rue poor finishing when James McArthur failed to turn in Wilfried Zaha’s left cross almost on the line in the 70th minute.

Ben Foster made decisive saves to frustrate Zaha and Luka Milivojevic.

Goal-line technology was needed for the opener to be given, with the ball having gone in off Cathcart’s thigh, handing Palace a lead that had manager Roy Hodgson believing another victory was on the way.

"Tough to lose any game especially at home," Hodgson said. "I was hoping we could get that elusive third straight victory.

"We started the second half brightly. The game evened out and while the game was still in the balance Tom Cleverley scored that wonderful volley."

Zaha should have doubled Palace's advantage just after halftime but saw his effort saved and that proved costly as Watford turned the match on its head.

Cathcart’s header made amends for his own goal before Cleverley’s first Premier League strike since October 2017 earned Watford the points.

"After conceding the first goal it was more difficult but we knew this team were conceding more goals in this period and it was our moment," Watford manager Javi Gracia said.

"We created enough chances to win the game.