Watford took on Newcastle United at Vicarage Road in the Premier League knowing that a victory would secure the Hornets another season in the English top flight next term.
Javi Gracia's men moved into the lead after just two minutes through Roberto Pereyra, before Andre Gray headed home to make it 2-0 after 28 minutes.
Watford skipper Troy Deeney then missed a first-half penalty before Ayoze Perez pulled one back for the Magpies, although the hosts somehow managed to stave off a late Newcastle comeback to cement their top-flight safety courtesy of a slender 2-1 win in Hertfordshire.
Relive all of the action with our minute-by-minute updates below.
Good afternoon all and thanks for joining us as we bring you live coverage of the Premier League as Watford take on Newcastle United at Vicarage Road. The Magpies are officially safe from the drop, while a home loss for the Hornets today could leave Javi Gracia's charges biting their fingernails.
WATFORD STARTING XI: Karnezis; Janmaat, Cathcart, Kabasele, Holebas; Capoue, Doucoure, Hughes, Pereyra; Gray, Deeney
NEWCASTLE UNITED STARTING XI: Dubravka; Manquillo, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett; Shelvey, Diame, Murphy; Perez, Kenedy, Gayle
WATFORD SUBSTITUTES: Gomes, Britos, Mariappa, Deulofeu, Richarlison, Sinclair, Femenía
NEWCASTLE UNITED SUBSTITUTES: Ritchie, Hayden, Joselu, Yedlin, Merino, Haidara, Darlow
So Watford boss Gracia has decided to make three changes from the side that lost to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night. Troy Deeney, Daryl Janmaat and Roberto Pereyra come into the starting XI at the expense of Adrian Mariappa, Kiko Femenia and Richarlison.
The hosts have switched to what appears to be a 4-4-2, leaving Andre Gray and Deeney leading the home line today. Will Hughes, Etienne Capoue, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Pereyra will be taking up the creative spots in a four-man midfield.
Benitez's selections see the visitors opt for what should be a 4-3-3 that reverts to a 4-5-1 when out of possession, leaving Dwight Gayle to lead the line with further support supplied by Kenedy and Ayoze Perez.
Javier Manquillo has been handed a start on his birthday at right-back, while Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett take up the remaining defensive positions. Elsewhere, Jonjo Shelvey, Mohamed Diame and youngster Jacob Murphy start in midfield.
Despite this contest seeming like a bit of an end-of-season dead rubber, it is worth noting that the implications of Watford's late form could prove crucial for under-fire manager Gracia.
The Hornets' board are known for making a change or two out of the blue and the club's form in recent weeks will likely start to place some strain on Gracia's future in Hertfordshire. Watford are now winless in their last seven league games, losing five and drawing two.
Under Gracia, Watford have scored just nine times in the 13 matches that the Spaniard has overseen in all competitions. During the club's poor run recently, Watford have scored only three goals and conceded 15 in seven top-flight fixtures.
The club's problematic form has left them on the fringes of a potential relegation scrap should they lose to Newcastle. The Hornets are six points off the drop and will likely consider themselves just about out of trouble, but this league certainly has a funny way of surprising you at times. A defeat today would leave Watford in a slight bit of bother going into the final day of the season.
At times the Hornets have offered glimpses of brilliance going forward this term, but it is at the back where Watford have suffered greatly. The club has a dangerously-high tally of goals conceded. Watford's tally of 62 is better than just two clubs in the shape of strugglers West Ham United and Stoke City.
Vicarage Road has not provided the safest of havens for the Hornets either in the Premier League. The club's tally of 30 goals conceded at home is the Premier League's joint highest alongside coastal side Bournemouth.
Having said that, Watford have lost only one of their last seven home games in the Premier League following three wins and a draw. It is worth noting, though, that those three draws have come on the bounce in recent months.
Earlier in the campaign, and especially during the tenure of Marco Silva, Brazilian playmaker Richarlison seemed to be setting the league alight. The youngster has, however, struggled since the winter. The forward has not scored with any of his last 50 attempts on goal in the top flight and his been dropped to the bench for today's contest.
One thing Watford do have to fall back on is their contemporary form against the Magpies. The Hornets have won their last three league fixtures against Newcastle, inclusive of a 3-0 win at St James' Park earlier in the season.
As for today's visitors, Benitez has undoubtedly worked miracles at the Magpies this term, keeping the club up after promotion on limited funds and amid a background of political tension at St James' Park.
Rafa has made his frustrations well known of late and Toon fans will be hoping that either Mike Ashley provides him with transfer money in the summer, or moves the club on to the likes of Amanda Staveley, or the Spaniard could even be prepared to walk away from the job.
The Magpies head to Hertfordshire having lost two games on the bounce to Everton and West Bromwich Albion. Those defeats ended what was arguably a relegation-preventing four-game winning streak that saw Newcastle beat Southampton, Huddersfield Town, Leicester City and Arsenal.
The club are now safe from the drop and will be hoping to use their final three games to clinch a top-half finish after bouncing back from the Championship at the first time of asking last season.
Newcastle travel to Watford knowing that they have a rather poor away record recently. The Magpies have only managed one win in their last seven away matches in all competitions.
Should Benitez remain at the club and be given funds to invest during the looming window, the Spaniard will likely look to improve in attack. As things stand, Newcastle's record of 35 goals is the joint fewest of any top-half team along with Sean Dyche's Burnley.
Watford has not proven a profitable stomping ground for Newcastle. The club have never won a top-flight away match against Watford in a run that has seen them draw four and lose three across seven meetings.
Benitez will be keen to ensure that his side's season does not end on any kind of whimper following their remarkable bid for survival. The Spanish coach is one of the most astute political manipulators in the league and he will know all too well where he might stand in any power struggle at the club should his side tail off at the end of the campaign.
This is Benitez's 300th Premier League match as a manager. Along with Jose Mourinho, you might argue that the Spaniard has been one of the most influential managers in the league's history when it comes to tactical pragmatism, especially during his time at Liverpool. Congrats, Rafa!
Looking at the history between the two teams, Newcastle head to Vicarage Road having never won an away game against Watford despite seven attempts.
Watford currently find themselves on a four-game winning run against the Magpies in all competitions. Prior to that, Newcastle had won five of their last six meetings.
Hertfordshire is bathed in sunshine this afternoon, it's going to be a testing game for both sides during conditions that you would come to expect mid summer:
🎟️ | Today's game at The Vic has now sold out.
See you shortly, #watfordfc fans! #WATNEW pic.twitter.com/YfRrCuf2Er — Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) 5 May 2018
PREDICTION: Both sides are coming into this clash following rather sticky patches, but this game is far from a dead rubber. Watford will want a home win to stave off any late relegation pressure, while Newcastle want to cap off a wonderful season with a strong ending. The Hornets have tended to concede a lot, although the Magpies have not been the most threatening going forward. This should be a tight affair and I'm settling for a 1-1 draw in the sunshine.
The players are just starting to get together in the tunnel ahead of this sell-out game, we will be underway very shortly!
KICKOFF! Here we go then, Roger East gets us underway at Vicarage Road... Watford have kickoff at home as they aim to secure definite survival with a win this afternoon.
Watford are doing the early pressing here as Gray aims to come short and hold up the ball. Newcastle are quick to their work, however, swarming on the striker to win back possession. An energetic opening from both sides...
GOAL! WATFORD 1-0 NEWCASTLE UNITED (ROBERTO PEREYRA)
A wonderful start from the home side. The Hornets swarm down the right and the ball is shifted into Gray, whose eventual pass is flicked away by a defender into the path of Doucoure. The midfielder does well to recognise that he has a man over and is able to slip in Pereyra down the left channel, who makes no mistake as he slots beyond a helpless Dubravka.
CHANCE! Watford have started brilliantly. This time Pereyra is slipped in beyond the last man, only to see his chipped finish blocked by an on-rushing Dubravka. Capoue hits the ensuing rebound and it deflects just wide of goal with the Newcastle stopper looking well beaten.
Newcastle need to get a grip on things here. Watford's front two are dropping off beautifully in tandem and it's opening up all kinds of space for Watford's attacking midfielders to exploit. The away side have offered nothing thus far.
Shelvey is given a little too much time in the middle of the pitch and he tries to deliver a wonderful long-range pass into the path of Gayle, but Cathcart reads things well and is able to head clear.
The home side are knocking the ball about neatly in the middle and appear just a little too quick on their feet for the Magpies at the moment. Kabasele aims for something long out from the back for Pereyra, although the defender overhits his pass.
Gray thinks he's beaten the offside trap as he aims to pick up a pass from Deeney, who drops off well to create some space in behind. The linesman makes the perfect call, though, raising his flag just when Gray thinks that he is in to challenge Dubravka.
CHANCE! Shelvey carves out a stunning pass from the middle into the right channel, where the ball is then swung into the box for Gayle and Perez to battle for. Watford do just about enough, however, leaving Kenedy to hit an eventual shot out for a goal kick from the resulting knockdown.
Watford continue to enjoy the better share of possession inside the Newcastle half. Benitez's side have looked off the pace in these opening exchanges. Capoue shapes to shoot from the edge of the box, leaving Lejeune to make a strong challenge at the crucial moment.
Perez gets a slight bit of fortune as he picks up possession inside the Watford half. The forward drives forward and should slip in Gayle beyond the last defender, but he underplays his pass and it is intercepted gratefully by Cathcart.
Some slight signs of fight now from the Magpies as they pick up on a loose ball from Doucoure, however Hughes cannot quite make use of the mishap to find Gayle as his pass runs out for a goal kick.
The Magpies are just starting to enjoy a spell of promising possession albeit it with some rather defensive passes inside their own half. The visitors need to get their collective foot on the ball after a bright opening from Watford.
Shelvey is a different class in this Newcastle side at times. The midfielder is given the ball inside his own half and he turns to set Perez away on the break with a clinical pass. The forward breaks forward and should feed Kenedy away to his left, although some poor technique allows Janmaat to step in and prevent the danger from building.
SAVE! Superb from the hosts... Capoue shows fantastic energy to win the ball back in midfield and set Deeney running at the defence. The striker opens up to play Gray in down the right side of the box, who soon sees his shot parried away by Dubravka.
GOAL! WATFORD 2-0 NEWCASTLE UNITED (ANDRE GRAY)
Watford are enjoying themselves at the moment... Pereyra is the architect over on the left as he exchanges a one-two with Deeney before making mince meat of Manquillo just inside the area. Having beaten his man, the playmaker chips towards the back-post where Gray is left unchallenged having drifted free of Dummett, allowing the striker to rise and head into an empty net without resistance.
It might be the understatement of the year to say that Benitez is looking aggrieved on the bench. The Spaniard looks fuming with his players. Watford have been enterprising going forward, but Newcastle's defending has been questionable on both goals now.
OFFSIDE! Almost perfection here from the hosts. Hughes sees Gray dropping deep and he fires the ball into his feet. The striker then feeds the overlapping run of Janmaat on the right, but the full-back is flagged for offside just when he's about to square for Deeney to tap home beyond Dubravka.
This is just what Hornets fans want to see. Manquillo is sent racing away down the right flank but is soon upended by a perfectly-timed sliding challenge from Holebas, who stops the move developing right at the vital juncture.
Newcastle get the chance to deliver from a set piece, but Doucoure is first to the swinging ball as he clears the danger. This opening period has been one of the better halves Watford have turned out under Gracia.
PENALTY TO WATFORD! Doucoure sends Gray in behind and the striker takes a huge touch to try and get beyond Dummett, who brings the striker down with a terribly-timed sliding challenge.
PENALTY SAVED! Deeney steps up to take the spot kick, but he cannot find a way beyond Dubravka, who guesses the correct way to palm away a rather tame penalty. The frontman should then simply lash home from the rebound, but again he is lacklustre in his approach, allowing Dubravka to rise off the deck and make a terrific second save.
Hmm, Watford should be totally out of sight now - will that miss just kick Newcastle into gear? Benitez will be wanting half time in order to sort things out amongst his ranks.
YELLOW CARD! Shelvey goes into the book after being nutmegged by Doucoure, leaving the hosts with a free kick in a dangerous position just outside of the box.
The resulting free kick comes to nothing as Newcastle hoof clear and set Murphy away on the counter, but he cannot get the cross into the box much to the frustration of Gayle, who is left isolated in the box.
HALF TIME: WATFORD 2-0 NEWCASTLE UNITED
Watford find themselves in cruise control here after being totally dominant in the first period. Leaving the field, however, you cannot help but pick up on some slight frustration after Deeney's penalty miss. The hosts have had more than enough chances to put this game beyond doubt.
Pereyra has been outstanding for Watford in the first half, his creativity has been missed in recent weeks and has return will be more than welcomed by Watford fans. Gray and Deeney have looked effective as a strike pairing, especially when building attacks, although both have passed up chance to bury this tie inside 45 minutes.
Benitez will be fuming with what he has seen so far in the first half. His charges do not appear to be playing to any particular game plan when they are able to win back the ball. The Spaniard will likely be having strong words with the Magpies during the interval.
SECOND HALF! We are back moving again in Hertfordshire, Newcastle get the second half going...
Watford are quick back at it in the second period, pressing Newcastle tightly from the off and setting themselves away on the break, which eventually comes to nothing.
Newcastle have come from behind twice this season but we will need to see some improvement quickly from the Magpies should they stand a chance here. Watford's defensive shape has been strong early on here as Newcastle find themselves camped just outside the home box.
Deeney chips a delightful ball over the top for the run of Gray, who should find his strike pattern with a return ball when he collects possession. Instead, the pass back across the defence is under hit and Newcastle escape unpunished.
The hosts turn a free kick from deep into the box and the clearance falls kindly for Pereyra, who can only flash a volley over the crossbar.
GOAL! WATFORD 2-1 NEWCASTLE UNITED (AYOZE PEREZ)
Here we go then, will that penalty miss prove a huge one? It's poor defending from Watford as Perez is allowed to drift free of two defenders to meet Manquillo's ball at the back post with an outstanding technical finish that does for Karnezis.
Following the goal, Pereyra has, for some reason, been subbed off for Gerard Deulofeu. Surely that can only be because of injury?
YELLOW CARD! The goal seems to have kick started something for the visitors as Perez shows some neat skill to get beyond Kabasele, who then goes into the book as he brings the forward down outside of the area.
The resulting set piece sees the ball drop kindly for centre-back Lejeune, but he cannot react quick enough to prosper as he heads straight out for a goal kick.
SUBSTITUTION: This hasn't been Deeney's day. The forward is subbed off Mariappa to help bolster the midfield. Are Watford looking to hang on already?
From holding control of the midfield, Watford have just started to drift as things become increasingly scrappy in the centre of the pitch. The hosts have seemingly gone to three at the back and that will likely on invite the pressure on.
CLOSE! Perez drifts out to the right and sends the ball into the box, where substitute Mariappa accidentally turns a header towards his own goal, where Karnezis is required to get down low and save.
SUBSTITUTION: Benitez might just sense something here. DeAndre Yedlin takes the place of Manquillo. The visitors might just be seeking to exploit Deulofeu's lack of defensive awareness by bringing on the rapid youngster on the right.
CLOSE! We've seen these fly in before from Capoue. This time the midfielder shapes up from range, only to see his driven effort take a deflection and fly over the crossbar.
Watford are hanging on now. Gayle takes up the ball inside the box with his back to goal after being picked out by Shelvey. The striker does brilliantly to bring the ball down and is unlucky not to get the rub of the green under pressure from three Watford defenders.
CLOSE! Newcastle are driving for the equaliser and they are able to win a corner on the left. Shelvey turns the ball towards the front post for Perez, who sees his cute flick come back off the woodwork.
Credit to Newcastle who have made this a totally different game in the second period. The visitors continue to put pressure on the Hornets, who have crumbled from a position of relative dominance. The hosts have the lead at the moment and that's all that matters for now.
SUBSTITUTION: Watford make another change now as Richarlison is brought on in place of Gray.
With just after 10 minutes to play, Watford are closing on on sealing Premier League safety. This resurgent Newcastle side might just have other designs in the closing stages, though.
Newcastle are not panicking just yet as they move the ball with patience on the edge of the home box.
Lazy really from Watford... Doucoure does brilliantly to steal possession just inside the Newcastle half and he has the option of sending Richarlison scampering beyond the last defender. The youngster times his run poorly, though, leaving the Brazilian to move into an offside position and stop the move dead.
Still Newcastle dominate possession but they are not able to come up the vital passes in the final third at the moment.
Poor again from Richarlison who marches away two-against-one on the counter. He should simply bend the ball around the defender for Deulofeu to break onto, only to play the pass too close to Dubravka.
We are going to have four minutes of additional time here at Vicarage Road...
Perez does well to scamper down the right, but his ball into the middle is deflected kindly into the grasp of Karnezis, who takes his time on the deck.
FULL TIME: WATFORD 2-1 NEWCASTLE UNITED
Job done then for Watford, but my word they made that difficult for themselves. The hosts should have had that contest wrapped up inside the first half. You have to give credit to Newcastle for coming back in the second period, but it's the Hornets who win out to secure themselves another season in the Premier League. That's going to be all from me today, thanks for joining us!
Written by
Christopher Dodd
Christopher Dodd
