Watford player ratings: Roberto Pereyra on song as defenders come up short in Burnley loss

Roberto Pereyra had given the hosts a well-deserved lead after they dominated the first half as he swept in just after the hour.

Watford were the better team for much of the afternoon and should have sealed a win which would have taken them to 40 points.

However, familiar failings at set-pieces allowed Burnley to turn the game around and leave the Hornets empty handed.

There first came after a long ball forward glanced off the head of Adrian Mariappa to allow sub Sam Vokes to score with his first touch on 71 minutes.

Moments later Watford failed to mark at another free-kick and a header across goal picked out Jack Cork and he forced the ball over the line.

Here’s how the Hornets rated at the Vic.

Orestis Karnezis – 6

Left criminally exposed by his defenders for both goals and could do little to deny either Vokes or Cork for their respective strikes.

Made some routine stops but almost gifted Burnley a go ahead goal when losing a high ball early in the second period.

Daryl Janmaat – 6.5

Got forward well and linked up superbly with Kiko Femenia for the second week running on Watford’s right hand side.

Adrian Mariappa – 5.5

Looked so comfortable until the wayward header which put Vokes in for the Burnley leveller as he got under the ball and flicked towards his own goal.

Also conspicuous in his absence in the build up to the Burnley winner as two visiting players got free at the back post.

Sebastian Prödl – 6

The better of Watford’s centre-back pairing, but was also culpable for a failure to pick up at a free-kick for the winning goal.

Jose Holebas – 5.5

Rarely tested in defensively but offered precious little going the other way. His set-play delivery is so often a key threat for Watford but his radar was off.

One corner which went out at the near post was the perfect example of his poor afternoon over a dead ball.

Abdoulaye Doucouré – 6

Quieter performance than those which have made Doucoure a near-cert for the Watford player of the year gong.

Broke up play and helped drive the Hornets forward well at times.

Etienne Capoue – 6.5

Some fine link up play in the first half helped set the tempo for a dominant display for Watford and Capoue was the better of the Hornets’ central midfield two.

A number of his passes started Watford attacks and Capoue was also a physical presence in the tackle.

Kiko Femenía – 7

Another fine display on the right wing and created a host of openings for Watford with his energetic running. Did, however, fade as the game went on.

Will Hughes – 7.5

Fine performance full of purpose and poise. Relishing the free role he has been given in Watford’s team and repeatedly broke through the Burnley defence.

Provided the assist for the Watford opener after a run and smart one two saw him burst into the box.

Roberto Pereyra – 8

Watford’s best player and looks to be a man running high on confidence. Took his goal well with a flashing low finish.

Could easily have had two or three goals had it not been for the fine goalkeeping display of Nick Pope who denied him with two smart first half saves.

Troy Deeney – 6

A frustrating afternoon for the Watford skipper who was often angered by conceding free-kicks for muscular challenges with Clarets defenders.

Had few chances and didn’t hold the ball up as well as he can do.

SUBS

Stefano Okaka – 6

Came on as Watford looked for a comeback late in the game. Sent a header well wide when picked out by a Janmaat cross.

Richarlison – N/A

Only came on for a matter of minutes.

Andre Carrilo – N/A

Also not given long enough to impress on proceedings.