A late Watford collapse saw the Hornets snatch defeat from the jaws of victory as they lost 2-1 to Swansea City.

The hosts led the relegation threatened Swans with four minutes to play after Andre Carrillo’s first goal for the club broke the deadlock in the 11th minute.

However, with the three points looking all but assured, Jordan Ayew and Luciano Narsingh scored for the visitors to ensure Watford ended 2017 on a low note.

Andre Gray had a fine chance to make it 2-0 and his failure to do so was punished within a minute as Swansea levelled.

Defensive frailty again came to the fore as Watford, not for the first time this season, sacrificed a lead late on to end a game pointless.

Here’s how the Watford players rated on a sorry afternoon at Vicarage Road.

Heurelho Gomes – 5

Had little to do before picking the ball out of his net in the 86th minute. Could do nothing with the Swansea first but pushed Nathan Dyer’s shot into a dangerous area for the second.

Daryl Janmaat – 5

Harrow Times:

Outjumped for the first Swansea goal and, while he did get forward, the Dutchman provided little end product in the final third.

Molla Wagué – 6.5

Denied a second goal in two outings after being adjudged to have committed a foul when heading in from Tom Cleverley’s corner.

Looked composed before the demands of playing twice in quick succession forced him off in the second period.

Christian Kabasele – 5.5

Showed great strength to hold off a challenge of Renato Sanches in the first half and was generally solid until the late collapse.

Marvin Zeegelaar – 5

Loose in possession on a number of occasions and his final ball often left a lot to be desired when he got into crossing positions.

Abdoulaye Doucouré – 6

Gave the ball away inside five minutes and was almost punished as Ayew’s superb effort from distance cannoned back off the bar.

Slightly below his usual high standards, but still provided a combative and energetic presence at the heart of the Watford set up.

Ben Watson – 6

Kept it simple and Watford benefitted greatly from his calming influence at the base of midfield. Rarely looked to do more than move the ball onto his more talented team mates, which is never a bad thing.

Andre Carrillo – 6.5

Harrow Times:

Notched his first goal for the club with a calmly taken header from close range after Lukasz Fabianski could only parry Richarlison’s shot.

His goal really should have been the winner, but Watford’s collapse denied him such an honour. The latest in a run of positive displays.

Tom Cleverley – 6

Started brightly as he helped break up play in midfield and was unlucky to see a curling effort fly just wide early on. Faded as the game went on.

Richarlison – 6.5

Another assist for Watford’s Brazilian starlet and he was a threat on the left hand side all afternoon. Tested Fabianski with a towering header towards the end of the first half.

Stefano Okaka – 6

Harrow Times:

Given his first start since the opening day of the season and took just 11 minutes to reward Silva’s faith.

The striker held the ball up well before playing an inch-perfect pass into Richarlison, whose shot lead to the opening goal. Held the ball up well throughout and is pushing for a regular starting spot.

SUBS

Sebastian Prodl – 5

Dropped for the last two games and Watford looked a less assured presence once he returned to the fold in the second half.

Andre Gray – 4.5

Failure to convert a gilt-edge chance when being denied by Lukasz Fabianski proved to be vital as Swansea levelled from their resulting counter.

Showed a lack of composure when opting for power over placement with a chance which should have sealed all three points.

Roberto Pereyra – 6

Sublime pass with the outside of the boot to send Gray through and really should have been rewarded with an assist. Made an impact with what little time he was given.