Full Time: West Bromwich Albion 2-2 Watford
Watford managed to salvage a point from their trip to West Bromwich Albion, as they eked out a 2-2 draw, thanks to a late goal from Richarlison.
The Baggies were off the mark 18 minutes into the game, as Salomon Rondon opened the scoring with a brilliant strike after a strong run. Three minutes later, Jonny Evans doubled their lead, heading in powerfully from a corner-kick. Eight minutes from half-time, Abdoulaye Doucoure pulled one back for the Hornets, with a brilliant left-footed finish.
Deep into the stoppage time, Watford were able to come back to level terms, thanks to Richarlison, who headed in a Jose Holebas delivery with aplomb.
Here’s how the Watford players fared on the day:
Watford Player Ratings
Heurelho Gomes – 5/10
Endured a poor game between the sticks. Could have done better against Rondon for the opening goal and wasn’t always convincing when coming out for corners.
Kiko Femenia – 6/10
Was a little nervy at times, but improved massively as the game wore on. Made a couple of very crucial interceptions.
Christian Kabasele – 4.5/10
Was way too easily brushed aside by Rondon in his run leading to the first goal for West Brom. Doesn’t look convincing enough.
Adrian Mariappa – 5/10
Struggled against the direct and physical approach of the home side. Caught napping for Rondon’s goal.
Jose Holebas – 6.5/10
Started off scruffily, losing out in the air, turning over possession cheaply. But played a big part in the Hornets claiming a point, by making a late block to deny James McClean, before putting in a very good set-piece for Richarlison’s goal.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6.5/10
Just like most of his teammates, he did not have the best of the first period, despite scoring a very good goal. Improved after the break.
Etienne Capoue – 5/10
The Frenchman struggled to impose himself on the game in the middle of the park. There were a couple of positive moments, but the bad ones outweighed them on the day.
Andre Carrillo – 5.5/10
The on-loan winger was another player who could not have a major impact for the Hornets on the day. Not poor, but was not effective either.
Tom Cleverley – 5/10
A quiet game for the former Manchester United man. Did not have a great effect on the proceedings and was beaten in the build-up to the Baggies’ opener.
Richarlison – 8/10
The difference maker for Marco Silva’s side on the day. Looked the likeliest to make things happen in the final third. Played Doucoure in, leading to the first goal and then bundled in a header in the added time to grab one point for his team.
Troy Deeney – 6/10
Had some very good moments linking up with Richarlison and Carrillo and was involved in the first goal for his team. Faded with time.
Substitutes
Roberto Pereyra – 6/10
Replaced Capoue a little after the hour mark. Showed some nice touches and good skills with the ball.
Andre Gray – N/A
Was thrown in for the final 15 minutes, in place of Carrillo.