Everton 1-0 Watford

Barkley's goal was his fifth in the Premier League this season

Ross Barkley's goal settled Everton's meeting with Watford after the build-up to the match was dominated by uncertainty over the midfielder's Goodison Park future.

Barkley swept home a curling shot from 20 yards shortly after break as Sebastian Prodl failed to close him down.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman said on Thursday that Barkley had until next weekend to agree to a contract extension or he would be sold.

Watford rarely threatened, although the physicality of Stefano Okaka caused a few nervy moments late on.

Enner Valencia could have made the scoreline more comfortable for the hosts but was denied by a good save from Heurelho Gomes.

Barkley goal disguises complex decision

Barkley is yet to reach agreement with the club over a new deal

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright and majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri joined the standing ovation for Barkley when he departed the action 10 minutes from time, but it could yet also be a farewell to the home fans.

Koeman's public ultimatum seemed to spur the 23-year-old into life as he swerved in the box and tested Gomes with a low hard shot in the opening minutes.

His fifth Premier League goal of the season came soon after the interval as Prodl's retreat allowed him the time and the angle to beat Gomes.

However the energy of Kevin Mirallas - who signed a new three-year deal before kick-off - and the obvious promise of Tom Davies, still only 18, showed why Everton are prepared to play hardball in their negotiations.

Given Swansea's Gylfi Sigurdsson and Ajax's Davy Klaassen have been mentioned as possible midfield recruits, and taking into account his sporadic form over the whole season, it may well be that Barkley needs Everton more than they need him.

Watford effectively safe... but with work to do

Mazzarri took over at Watford a year ago, but is yet to exceed the points total set by sacked predecessor Quique Sanchez Flores

Watford could still be relegated in theory, but in reality, with six points and a far superior goal difference to 18th-placed Hull, their Premier League status is safe.

Despite losing Christian Kabasele to an apparent hamstring injury before half-time, the Hornets hung in and could have rescued an unlikely point had Troy Deeney managed to steer home a late half-chance.

There is no shame in failing to take anything away to an Everton side who have achieved their best home league record since 1989-90.

However, Watford are still five points short of the total amassed under Quique Sanchez Flores last term, and owners the Pozzo family will need to invest to avoid falling behind next season.

Man of the match - Morgan Schneiderlin (Everton)

Morgan Schneiderlin made more passes than any player on the pitch (72) and made impressive contributions in attack and defence

'It is not up to me or the board' - what they said

Everton manager Ronald Koeman: "I am really proud of the players' record at home this season with 13 wins in the 19 games. We did not have the aggression and intensity in the first half, but we were better after the break.

"Ross' goal is what we need, more goals from midfield. We hope that he will sign the contract, but it is not up to me, or the board, it is up to the player. We have offered Ross a really good contract. We cannot wait until the summer, until August.

"I am really happy. I think that we have had a really good season, finishing behind the big six in the Premier League. We need to do better away from home, but that is for next season."

Watford manager Walter Mazzarri: "I congratulated all the players on their effort in the dressing room. We did not deserve to lose. We deserved a draw at least.

"I am very happy with the performance because my players gave everything. I am not concerned because I have seen a lot of Everton games.

"They have won 12 of 18 games at home this season before today, and rarely have a team put them under the pressure we managed."

Premier League-best season at Goodison - post-match stats

• Everton have now won 43 points at Goodison Park in the Premier League this season, their most in a top-flight campaign at home since 1989-90 (45).

• Watford have lost six consecutive away league games without scoring for the first time since May 1952.

• Ross Barkley's opener ended a run of 12 Premier League matches without a goal for the Everton midfielder.

• In the Premier League, only Mikel Arteta (10) has scored more goals from outside the box for the Toffees than Ross Barkley (eight).

• Jose Holebas received his 13th yellow card of the season against Everton, two more than any other player. The record for most yellow cards received in a Premier League season is 14 (Mark Hughes, Cheick Tiote, Robbie Savage and Lee Cattermole).

• It is now 617 minutes since the Hornets scored a Premier League away goal.

What's next?

Everton's final game of the season is on Sunday 21 May, away to Arsenal. Watford play newly-crowned Premier League champions Chelsea on Monday evening.