Watford player ratings: Wastefulness undermines team performance in Newcastle United loss

The Hornets saw Gerard Deulofeu, Isaac Success, Adrian Mariappa and Roberto Pereyra all squander good openings before Ayoze Perez headed the game’s only goal.

Watford pushed for a late leveller and should really have found one when Stefano Okaka missed the target with the goal at his mercy.

Here’s how the Hornets rated on Tyneside.

Ben Foster – 6.5

Dealt well with everything which came into his box and could do nothing about the decisive goal.

Kiko Femenia – 6

Got forward when he could but was also found wanting at the back on occasion. Much of Newcastle’s better moments came down his flank early on.

Adrian Mariappa – 7

A commanding presence at the heart of Watford’s defence, Mariappa made some important blocks, not least when diverting Kenedy’s shot over in the first half.

Wasted a good chance when stabbing wide from six yards after a corner kick.

Craig Cathcart – 7

Looks more assured with Mariappa alongside him and helped keep the Magpies at bay for much of the game. Also made some crucial blocks.

Jose Holebas – 5.5

Delivery at set pieces was poor and saw Watford waste a number of good chances to test a Newcastle defence which has struggled to deal with such situations.

Booked late on for needlessly getting involved in a melee and now has six yellow cards from just nine outings this term.

Will Hughes – 6

Gave away the free-kick which led to the winning goal and failed to have the influence he has in recent weeks.

Found the lack of space afforded him by United hard to deal with.

Etienne Capoue – 6.5

Battled hard in the centre of the park and kept Watford moving forward, especially in the first half.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6.5

Like Capoue, the midfielder kept the ball moving well and set the tone for his side in the heart of the pitch.

Some poor touches saw him lose the ball on occasion and this wasn’t a display in keeping with what he has produced for much of the season.

Roberto Pereyra – 7

So unlucky to see a shot cannon back off the crossbar with Watford’s best effort of the afternoon. Always looked to create and made some big chances in the first period.

Gerard Deulofeu – 6

The Spaniard’s rating is only this low due to his failure to take two gilt edge chances in the first period. Always a willing runner and played a delightful pass to put Isaac Success in on goal late in the first period.

However, the two misses were the key points in this defeat and Watford would likely have taken the points had he taken them.

Isaac Success – 7

Excellent hold up play once again gave Watford a foothold to work from. One such occasion saw him breeze past Deandre Yedlin and set up Pereyra for the shot which hit the bar.

Will hope to retain his place going forward.

SUBS

Andre Gray – 5.5

Came on for Hughes as Watford looked for a route back into the game. Didn’t offer much at the point of attack and was booked late on.

Stefano Okaka – 5

Not given long to impress and his only real involvement was blazing over the bar from eight yards to waste Watford’s final chance.

Nathaniel Chalobah – N/A

Only came on for a matter of minutes.