Watford manager Javi Gracia hailed an amazing day for the club after Andre Gray fired the Hornets to the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
Gray scored two minutes after coming on to seal victory against Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace at a windswept Vicarage Road.
Etienne Capoue fired the Golden Boys in front before Batshuyai levelled just after the hour mark.
But after he replaced Will Hughes, Andre Gray sent Watford to the FA Cup semi-final for the sixth time in their history.
Gerard Deulofeu starred for the home side and he tested his compatriot Vincente Guaita in the Palace goal as Watford bossed the early exchanges. After Capoue’s opener, the visiting stopper had to be at his best to deny the former Everton man from extending Watford’s lead.
Palace started the second 45 minutes strongly and got their just rewards when the Belgian striker Batshuyai levelled.
The visitors strike proved a reaction from Watford and, after he was set up by Roberto Pereyra, Gray made sure of the win.
Speaking to the BBC after the game, Javi Gracia said he was delighted.
He commented: “It is an important day to have the chance to enjoy a semi-final, we are keeping the same level, competing well and that it is our target in this moment.
“We put Andre Gray on the pitch, he always has a good chance to score and scores important goals for the team, he deserves it and I am happy for him.”
It was an emotional day for Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes. The Brazilian left the pitch in tears after what is expected to be his last appearance at Vicarage Road.
Picture courtesy of Watford FC
0 Comments