Watford produced a stunning comeback in their FA Cup semi-final against Wolverhampton Wanderers to set up their first final since 1984, where they will play Manchester City. The Hornets will be indebted to Gerard Deulofeu, who came off the bench to score twice in the 3-2 comeback win, with Troy Deeney firing in the equaliser in second-half stoppage time.
Watford to Face Manchester City in FA Cup Final After Comeback Against Wolverhampton Wanderers
Gerard Deulofeu the Hornets Hero
Wolves looked to have the match in their control for the majority of the game, with Watford struggling to create any clearcut opportunities.
Matt Doherty gave Wolves the lead midway through the first period when he ghosted in at the far post to head in a cross and, after continuing to dominate to the hour mark, Raul Jiminez doubled the lead when he expertly brought down a cross and volleyed beyond Heurelho Gomes.
Javi Gracia then rolled the dice by introducing Deulofeu, having taken the risk to play Andre Gray instead of him from the start, and it paid instant dividends when the Spaniard beautifully floated an effort over John Ruddy to bring Watford back into it.
The game suddenly swung, and Wolves were heavily on the back foot going into the final minutes, and the pressure told when Leander Dendoncker tripped Troy Deeney in the area in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The talisman kept his nerve and hammered home the penalty in front of the Watford fans to send the game to extra time.
Deulofeu continued to cause problems and, with just a minute to go until half-time in extra time, he completed the magical comeback by slotting the ball beyond Ruddy.
Hornets v Cityzens
Watford’s reward for their comeback is a date with Manchester City in May back at Wembley for the final after Pep Guardiola’s side were 1-0 victors over Brighton & Hove Albion in their semi-final yesterday.
Gabriel Jesus scored the game’s only goal after just four minutes when he produced an excellent diving header to get on the end of Kevin de Bruyne’s perfect cross, which was enough for City to keep alive their hopes of winning the quadruple.
The two sides will now come back to Wembley on May 18 as they contest the final.
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