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Deeney pen denies Allardyce
- Updated: December 26, 2016
Troy Deeney scored his 100th goal for Watford to earn his side a 1-1 draw and deny Sam Allardyce a winning start as Crystal Palace manager.
Yohan Cabaye gave Allardyce, who was appointed on Friday following the sacking of Alan Pardew, the perfect start, firing home in the 26th minute to give the visitors a deserved lead.
It could have got even better for Palace in the 36th minute but Christian Benteke, who was brought down in the penalty area by Heurelho Gomes, saw his penalty saved by the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Buoyed by the penalty miss, Watford, who were forced into two substitutions in the opening 15 minutes, responded in good fashion and they were awarded a penalty of their own with 20 minutes remaining when Sebastian Prodl was bundled to the floor by Damien Delaney.
Deeney made no mistake from the spot to end a run of 10 games without a goal and in the process become only the fifth player to score 100 goals for Watford.
The point moves Watford into the top 10 for now, while Crystal Palace stay 17th, two points clear of the relegation places.
Allardyce made two changes in naming his first Palace side with Mathieu Flamini and Andros Townsend coming in to the side in place of Joe Ledley and James McArthur.
Walter Mazzarri also made two changes with Adlene Guedioura and Daryll Janmaat replacing Deeney and Juan …
