Celebrations for Watford after Etienne Capoue's goal against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup
Celebrations for Watford after Etienne Capoue's goal against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup

Watford 2-1 Crystal Palace: Super sub Andre Gray books Hornets' place in FA Cup semi-finals


Andre Gray's goal a minute after coming on sent Watford into the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.

Gray's goal 11 minutes from time sent Watford to Wembley for the second time in four years after a passionate quarter-final at Vicarage Road, which the hosts were good value for edging.

They took advantage of their increasing first-half momentum to move ahead on the half-hour when Etienne Capoue was teed up by Craig Cathcart after Vincent Guiata missed a punch from a corner. Michy Batshuayi levelled after half-time following a horrible mistake from Adrian Mariappa.

The tie looked to be heading to extra-time with clear chances at a premium late on until Gray, who had been on the pitch barely 60 seconds, slotted in Roberto Pereyra's perfect lob to seal their progression.

Opta stats

  • Watford have progressed from their last four FA Cup quarter-final ties, also winning in 2002-03, 2006-07 and 2015-16.
  • Watford have reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the seventh time in their history, although they've eventually progressed to the final just once (1984 under Graham Taylor).
  • Watford have won three games against Crystal Palace in single season for the first time in their history.
  • Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has lost all three of his FA Cup quarter-finals as a manager, also losing with Fulham in 2008-09 and 2009-10.
  • Against no team have Watford won more FA Cup matches than they have versus Crystal Palace (W4 D2 L2).
  • Andre Gray's last three goals for Watford in all competitions have been as a substitute - only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lucas Perez (4 each) have scored more from the bench among Premier League players this season.
  • Three of Etienne Capoue's four goals for Watford this season have arrived in cup competitions, including scoring two in the FA Cup.
  • Crystal Palace striker Michy Batshuayi has scored in all four of his appearances against Watford in all competitions, scoring five goals in the process.

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