Andre Gray came off the bench to fire Watford into the FA Cup semi-finals with the late winner in their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday. Javi Gracia's side took the lead through Etienne Capoue's first half strike before Michy Batshuayi equalised for Palace after the interval.
That was the signal for Gracia to turn to Gray, who maintained his reputation as Watford's super-sub by grabbing the goal that avenged the Hornets' 2016 FA Cup semi-final defeat against Palace. The former Burnley striker has now scored the winner as a substitute three times in recent weeks, having also netted Watford's decisive goal against Everton and Leicester.
Gray's latest heroics moved Watford closer to finally returning to the FA Cup final 35 years after they lost to Everton in their only other appearance. "Obviously every player is disappointed if they don't start. There's two ways of going about it, you either sit there and sulk or you get on with it," Gray said. "I've been on the bench quite a lot this season so I've got my mind round it now. I just have to come on and make a difference."
Gracia added: "When Andre Gray is on the pitch he is scoring a lot of important goals for us. "To be able to enjoy a semi final at Wembley will be amazing." Watford had won both Premier League meetings with Palace this season and Gracia's team went close early on when Gerard Deulofeu's strike drew a good stop from Vicente Guaita.
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