Watford relegated from the Premier League after defeat at Crystal Palace

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Watford have been relegated from the Premier League after a 1-0 defeat away at Crystal Palace.

Wilfried Zaha scored the only goal of the game for Palace from the spot after Michael Olise’s header inside the box hit the outstretched arm of Hassane Kamara.

The Hornets started the second half well but were unable to create any real chances on goal as the clock ticked down, with Kamara being sent off as the Hornets approached their inevitable fate.

Watford will now be playing Championship football next season, with Palace breaking into the top half of the Premier League table.

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Palace dominate the opening half in South London

Watford knew going into the game that anything but a win at Selhurst Park would see them relegated from the Premier League to the Championship. However, it was Palace who set the tempo and enjoyed the possession from the get-go.

Zaha tried to feed Odsonne Edouard in the box in the opening four minutes but the Hornets were able to win back possession. Conor Gallagher soon forced a corner thanks to his cross from the right hand side, only for Marc Guehi to head onto the roof of the net from Olise’s cross.

The latter then had an attempt of his own but he fired over the bar, with Ben Foster soon denying Zaha’s weak effort. Palace would continue to dominate for much of the first half as Watford had their first shot on goal in the 20th minute, but Edo Kayembe’s attempt was blocked by the hosts’ defence.

After a Palace corner, Josh King went down the other end of the pitch for the visitors but the Norwegian was superbly tackled by Nathaniel Clyne. However, Watford soon conceded a penalty.

Olise was able to head the ball down in the box towards goal but it hit the arm of Kamara. Referee Graham Scott took a few seconds to make a decision, before eventually pointing to the spot. After a VAR check Zaha was able to send Foster the wrong way and give his side the lead.

Watford were soon looking to find a response to the goal and Kamara had a pop, only for Will Hughes to block his effort. Moussa Sissoko then headed over the bar, with the visiting side still unable to find the back of the net.

Guehi had a great chance to double the lead on the stroke of halftime but forced a great stop from Foster in the Hornets’ goal. Olise then fired over the bar as both sides went in for the break.
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Watford lack the chances to fight back

With around 45 minutes between them and relegation, Watford started the second half the brighter side. King was able to get a shot away but Jack Butland was on hand to save down to his left.

For all their efforts in the first half, Palace were nowhere near as threatening in the second. Conor Gallagher saw Foster off his line and tried to catch him out, but his lob went over and behind. Edouard then had a great chance to make it 2-0 as he made a superb run into the box, passed two defenders and hit the inside of the post, with the striker unlucky not to see it cross the line.

Just seven minutes later, Kamara was sent off for Watford. The Ivorian was given his marching orders for a second yellow card, having fouled Olise on the byline. Edouard then nearly took advantage of the extra man with another run into the box, but he could not find the room for a shot.

As the minutes passed the Hornets were still unable to threaten the hosts, with Craig Cathcart soon heading over the bar from a corner. Palace substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta had a great chance to get onto the scoresheet but was denied by Foster, with the forward then putting the rebound wide of the goal.

Olise continued to pose a threat right until the final minutes, with Jeffrey Schlupp testing Foster and Edouard once again being unable to find the target.

The full time whistle soon came at Selhurst Park and the result secured Watford’s fate, with Roy Hodgson’s side being relegated from the Premier League. It also saw Palace claim their tenth win in the league for the season, as well as break into the top half of the table.

Watford will now host Everton on Wednesday night, with Palace travelling to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

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