Watford 2-1 Newcastle United
- Published
- comments
Watford's Andre Gray netted his fifth of the season as the Hornets claimed all three points.
Newcastle's players looked as if they were "on holiday" in the first half of Saturday's defeat at Watford, according to manager Rafael Benitez.
The Magpies slipped to a third successive defeat at Watford, who ensured their Premier League survival thanks to first-half goals from Roberto Pereyra and Andre Gray.
Ayoze Perez did pull a goal back in the 55th minute but, despite all their second-half dominance, Newcastle could not find the equaliser.
"We have to start with more focus and concentration," Benitez told BBC Match of the Day.
"We were not in the game in the first half. We made too many mistakes and the penalty decision was a surprise. It could have been 3-0.
"In the second half the team showed more of what we have seen for the majority of the season - they worked hard and created chances, but we didn't quite do enough to equalise."
Watford got off to the best possible start when Pereyra ended his side's run of three matches without a goal after just two minutes when he slotted home Abdoulaye Doucoure's neat reverse pass.
The Argentine then turned provider after 28 minutes as Gray nodded in his cross to score Watford's second.
Captain Troy Deeney had a golden chance to make it 3-0 from the spot, but Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was equal to both Deeney's penalty kick and the resulting rebound after Paul Dummett had brought down Gray in the box.
The result marked a third straight defeat for Benitez's side, who threatened an equaliser in the second half as Perez with a deft flick and Mikel Merino with an powerful drive from the edge of the area both went close.
Gracia happy with 'lucky' win against Newcastle
Perez, who was one of Newcastle's brightest performers on the day, echoed his manager's sentiment as he described his side's first-half performance as "embarrassing".
"We didn't play well at all in the first half. It wasn't good enough. That's now three defeats in a row," Perez told Match of the Day.
"They could have scored three goals in the first half so it's clear we are doing things wrong. We pushed them at the end but we couldn't score.
"We've got another two games to make it look better but today wasn't good enough."
Resurgent Watford
It's difficult to believe Javi Gracia's side had gone seven games without a win given the way they started and played throughout.
It took just two minutes for Watford to break the deadlock following slick build-up play between Doucoure and Will Hughes.
Doucoure then had the presence of mind to play in Pereyra to finish the move.
The Hornets' confidence only grew from there and Gray saw several chances go begging before he eventually got on the scoresheet, heading home Pereyra's cross.
And it was the Argentina international who epitomised Watford's first-half efforts - the winger was constantly up and down the left flank, making himself a nuisance for full-back Javier Manquillo and wide man Jacob Murphy.
Watford's midfield duo Doucoure and Capoue also impressed, over-shadowing England-hopeful Jonjo Shelvey and his partner Mo Diame.
The win moves them into 13th place in the Premier League on 41 points - the same as Newcastle but two goals worse off.
Signs of improvement for Newcastle
Newcastle have not claimed a point in the Premier League since their 2-1 win over Arsenal in mid-April, a result that took them over the 40-point threshold.
However, there were signs of encouragement throughout the second half for Benitez as his side held 71% of possession and created numerous chances.
Perez, who had earlier netted his eighth of the season, nearly equalised midway through the second half, but Watford keeper Orestis Karnezis was equal to his flick.
Watford then had Adrian Mariappa to thank after his sliding block deflected Merino's goalbound effort over the bar.
Despite their second-half efforts, Newcastle were left to rue a string of ineffective corners in stoppage time.
'We were a bit lucky' - what they said
Watford manager Javi Gracia speaking to Match of the Day: "We played better in the first half. We could have killed the game and missed a penalty.
"After that, Newcastle played better and created chances to draw the game but today we were a bit more lucky than in the last games, where we didn't have it. I'm very pleased to achieve the objective today and proud of my players.
"Many times we have lost points [late on] and today was an important game. We needed the points and the players showed a good attitude, character and desire, and for that I'm very happy.
"We'll see after the last game if the club respects my contract or will speak with me. But I'm proud to be with this club and I'm happy here."
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez: "I'm not too worried [about three straight defeats]. The main thing was to stay up and we did it.
"Now we'll see what happens in the next games. The players have done a great job through the season and they've not been doing that recently. But we have two games left and we'll see if they can do that again."
Man of the Match - Roberto Pereyra
Pereyra was Watford’s stand-out performer while he was on the pitch, both scoring and assisting prior to being replaced by the ineffective Gerard Deulofeu.
An unhappy milestone for Rafa - the stats
This match was Rafael Benitez's 300th Premier League match as a manager.
Watford have now won the last five meetings across all competitions, having lost five of the previous six.
Newcastle have still never won a top-flight away game against Watford (D4, L4).
Javi Gracia has now claimed 15 points from 13 Premier League games with his side scoring 11 goals.
It is the first time Watford have won their final home game of a league campaign (excluding play-offs) since 2011-12.
What's next?
Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Wembley to face Tottenham on Wednesday, 9 May (20:00 BST), followed by a visit from Chelsea on Sunday, 13 May (15:00).
Watford finish their season with a visit to Manchester United on 13 May, all games kicking off at the same time.