Watford and Everton took home a share of the spoils on Saturday afternoon as they recorded a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road in the Premier League.
Both teams ended a run of defeats in the top flight, but neither could find a winner after both teams scored within three minutes of one another in first-half stoppage time.
James McCarthy gave Everton the lead after a defensive error from Miguel Britos, but Jose Holebas responded almost instantly with a headed goal.
Discover how the game unfolded in Sports Mole's text commentary below.
2.00pmWelcome everyone! We are reaching the closing stages of the season and it's squeaky bum time for the title-chasing clubs, the teams fighting for top four and the clubs battling for survival. None of those apply to Watford and Everton, though... While there is not much to play for in the league for these two sides, today's clash at Vicarage Road could prove to be a turning point as both try to end their campaigns on a high.
2.05pmWatford's main priority was to retain their top-flight status and they are close to doing so as they are three points away from reaching that all-important 40-point target. It has not been the best of times at the club of late, though, as they have not picked up a win since in the league since February. In the last five Premier League matches they have lost four and drawn one.
2.08pmAs for Everton, unfortunately for Martinez and his team, they have been unable to launch a serious challenge for a European place this season. They finished a disappointing 11th in the 2014-15 campaign and they could be facing a similar fate as they are currently 12th, 15 points adrift of the top five. The recent results have led to questions over Martinez's long-term future at the club, as well as the futures of certain high-profile players.
2.09pmBefore we go any further, though, let's bring you the lineups of both teams.
2.13pmWATFORD XI: Gomes; Paredes, Britos, Cathcart, Holebas; Capoue, Watson, Behrami; Jurado, Deeney; Ighalo
Subs: Pantilimon, Nyom, Prödl, Suarez, Guedioura, Abdi, Amrabat
Subs: Pantilimon, Nyom, Prödl, Suarez, Guedioura, Abdi, Amrabat
2.13pmEVERTON XI: Joel; Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; Barry, McCarthy; Lennon, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku
Subs: Howard, Oviedo, Kone, Mirallas, Niasse, Cleverley, Funes Mori
Subs: Howard, Oviedo, Kone, Mirallas, Niasse, Cleverley, Funes Mori
2.16pmFlores has rung the changes to his Watford side as there have been five alterations to the team that lost to Arsenal last weekend. Juan Paredes, Miguel Britos, Jose Holebas, Valon Behrami and Jose Jurado come in for Allan Nyom, Sebastian Prodl, Nathan Ake, Mario Suarez and Almen Abdi.
2.19pmSo, Heurelho Gomes starts in goal, behind a back four of Paredes, Britos, Holebas and Craig Cathcart. Etienne Capoue, Ben Watson and Behrami line the midfield, with Jurado and Troy Deeney providing attacking threat behind Odion Ighalo.
2.21pmAs for Everton, Roberto Martinez has made just the one change as Gareth Barry replaces Tom Cleverley. The midfielder has returned to the fold after serving a suspension. Also, Leighton Baines keeps his place at left-back after he apologised for saying in an interview that the team lacked chemistry on the pitch (more of that later!)
2.23pmSo, Joel Robles will stand in goal, protected by a back four of Baines, Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Seamus Coleman. Barry slots into midfielder alongside James McCarthy, while Aaron Lennon, Ross Barkley and Gerard Deulofeu are given freedom to attack behind striker Romelu Lukaku, who is searching for his 26th goal of the season.
2.24pm
PHOTOS: The players head for the dressing room at Vicarage Road #WATvEFC pic.twitter.com/rINTM7piC6
— Everton (@Everton) April 9, 2016
2.26pmAs we mentioned, there are less than 10 games to go until the season comes to a close. Watford may be struggling at the moment, but if they manage to stay up then they will consider this season a very positive one. They returned to the top flight last summer and started off well, but results have not gone their way over the last couple of months. They currently sit 14th in the table, 10 points above the drop.
2.28pmLeague wins have been very hard to come by for Watford of late as they have lost their previous four games. Last weekend, it was Arsenal who punished the Hornets as they earned a 4-0 thumping at the Emirates, with Alexis Sanchez, Alex Iwobi, Hector Bellerin and Theo Walcott getting on the scoresheet. The result was revenge for their FA Cup defeat to Watford in March.
2.31pmFlores's side may not be having the best time of it in the league, but they have a chance of silverware as they are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. They will take on Crystal Palace at Wembley on April 24, and to get there they managed to get past the Gunners. Odion Ighalo and Adlene Guedioura have the Hornets a 2-0 lead after 63 minutes at the Emirates and it did the job as Arsenal could only claim a consolation goal through Danny Welbeck in the 88th minute.
2.33pmFor some reason, Watford have not been able to replicate that form in the league. Their last triumph was a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, but since then they have recorded a goalless stalemate with Bournemouth and defeats to Manchester United, Leicester City, Stoke City and Arsenal.
2.35pmGoals have also been lacking for Watford as they have found the back of the net just once in their last five league matches. Troy Deeney and Ighalo have been having a bit of a drought. In fact, Ighalo has failed to score in his last eight games in the league as his last strike in the top flight was against Newcastle United on January 23. It's not been the best of showings from the pair, but they have managed to score 77% of the team's goals this season.
2.37pmEarlier this week, Flores told the media that he wants other members of the outfield to contribute to the goal effort.
He told reporters: "In this moment, we can't put the pressure on Ighalo and Deeney. We need help from the second line. These players need to add goals. They know for me it is not enough.
"Our style is different. The responsibility of the players is to play from the back. We need to be competitive, the Premier League is very tough. We need the focus, ambition and passion."
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2.39pmSo, what about Watford's opponents? It has been a mixed few weeks for Everton. They have lost their last three league games, but they are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup after beating Chelsea 2-0 at Goodison Park. The Toffees will face either Manchester United or West Ham United in the Wembley showdown. Before that, though, they need to rectify their Premier League form.
2.41pmAs mentioned, the club are 12th in the standings with eight games left to play. In their last five games, they have only managed to come away with one win, which was a 3-1 triumph over lowly Aston Villa, who are destined for the Championship next season. Martinez's men were dealt a 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion in February. It was a frustrating one for the team as they created plenty of shots, but could not convert.
2.42pmAfter beating Villa, Everton failed to keep the momentum going as they were hit with a sucker-punch against West Ham. The Merseyside outfit were leading 2-1 at Goodison with 10 minutes of normal time remaining, but Diafra Sakho and Dimitri Payet scored goals within nine minutes of one another to earn a 3-2 win.
2.43pmUp next was Arsenal, and it was another disappointing result for Everton as Welbeck and Iwobi scored to give the Gunners an away win. Last weekend, things did not get better when the Toffees took on Manchester United at Old Trafford. For one, it was a rather dismal game to watch! Secondly, Everton once again failed to score. Anthony Martial's 54th-minute strike was enough to separate the sides.
2.45pmThere have been rumblings over Martinez's future and I suspect they will return at the end of the season if Everton finish in an unfavourable league position. Leighton Baines did not help ease the pressure on his manager as he revealed in an interview with the Liverpool Echo that there is no chemistry between the players on the pitch.
The full-back said: "I just don't feel as though the chemistry is quite there with the team on the pitch at the moment, and it hasn't been for a while. We are maybe leaning too heavily on individuals to come up with something.
"We're in games - we were in the game on Sunday and had a couple of chances, but we're not performing as a team to the level we know we can or we should be.
"Results have an impact on that because chemistry and confidence go hand in hand. Look at the teams who are having success this year and you'd say they have chemistry. If I had to say one thing, I just don't know if it's there with us at the moment, for whatever reason."
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2.47pmt seems as though Baines was a little too honest for Martinez's liking! When asked about the comments in a press conference, the Spanish boss revealed that he was disappointed with the remarks. He added, though, that Baines had apologised for making them.
2.49pmMartinez told reporters: "There are two aspects of that. First, it is very disappointing when you see a misinterpretation of certain words that a player says and clearly this has taken out of context in the way that it has come out.
"The other aspect is someone with the experience of Leighton Baines - I have had a chat with him - he knows he has to take responsibility for those words. He has put himself in a position where he has given the wrong words and allowed the wrong interpretation.
"Those words they have given the opportunity to maybe attract a meaning that is not right, not correct and obviously he has apologised and taken responsibility for that, for leaving those words open.
"That is what we expect - a senior figure at Everton to take responsibility and make sure we speak on the pitch and the way to do that is against Watford. He has apologised and is ready to move forward - the place to talk is on the pitch."
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2.50pmNow, Baines mentioned that Everton might be relying on certain individuals to earn them results. Was he talking about Lukaku? The Belgian has scored 25 goals in all competitions this season and seems to be the first name on the teamsheet. The worry for Everton, though, is that the striker has hinted that he may leave Goodison Park in the summer.
2.52pmLukaku has made no secret of the fact that he would like to play Champions League football. If reports are to be believed that Manchester United are sniffing around, could the Belgian be tempted? I'm sure that will be a big story in the transfer gossip columns come this summer.
2.54pmLukaku may have an impressive scoring record this season, but he has not managed to contribute in their last two league games. If Everton fail to find the back of the net again today, then it will be the first time that they have recorded three consecutive league games without scoring since April 2006. Although, it is not all doom and gloom for the Toffees as they have earned victories in two of their last three Premier League games on the road.
2.56pmHEAD TO HEAD! Watford began the head-to-head record with a win, but they could only recreate that once in their 20 subsequent games against Everton. The last time that the Hornets got a result against Everton was in March 1987 when they sealed a 2-1 triumph at home. Watford have also only managed to keep one clean sheet against the Toffees and that was in their first meeting. In the Premier League, Everton have won four and drawn one of the five games against Watford.
2.57pmWe're just a few minutes away from kickoff now. Which side can get back to winning ways or are we in for a stalemate?!
1 minKICKOFF! We're underway at Vicarage Road! Everton have the ball at the kickoff. Kevin Friend is the referee for this one.
2 minMartinez will not enjoy looking at some sections of the away end. There is a 'Martinez out' banner and another which displays the phrase 'Baines is one of us'. Oh dear...
3 minNot much to report in these early stages. Neither side have taken a stronghold - both are just trying to find their feet at the moment.
7 minUnfortunately nobody has their shooting boots on at the moment. Both have struggled to keep the ball in the final third. Paredes tries to create an opportunity by sending a cross into the area, but it smashes into an Everton defender.
8 minEverton try to make things happen as Lukaku passes to Barkley, who unleashes a cross looking for Deulofeu at the far post, but the ball is cut out. The visitors are starting to find a bit of rhythm.
11 minWatford are struggling to cope with Everton's quick passing and Martinez's side are starting to take a hold of the game. The hosts, though, have posed a danger on the counter-attack.
13 minCapoue is down needing some treatment after clashing with Barkley on the halfway line. It does not look serious, though, and the Watford player should be able to continue.
13 minBOOKING! Capoue receives a yellow card for his role in the challenge. He's back on the pitch.
14 minEverton earn a corner from the free kick, and Deulofeu takes it, but his attempt does not trouble the Watford goal.
15 minOne of the banners that Martinez won't be too happy to see...
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17 minSAVE! We get the first goalscoring opportunity of the game! It comes from Watford and it is Jurado who shows good skill by turning swiftly on the edge of the area before shooting towards the top corner. Joel manages to get fingers on the ball and pushes it out for a corner, which comes to nothing.
19 minSAVE! At the other end, Deulofeu gets on the ball and tries to curl it into the back of the net, but Gomes gets there to turn the ball behind for a corner, which is wasted by the visitors.
21 minDeeney is well positioned to run at Everton's back four, but Jurado's pass is overhit and the chance goes missing. That would have been a decent opportunity for the Hornets.
24 minLukaku has seen little of the ball in these opening 25 minutes. He drops back to pick the ball up close to the halfway line and after getting away from his marker with a stepover he shoots from 30 yards but his effort flies into the stands.
27 minIghalo wins Watford a corner and it's delivered from the right. The ball manages to find Deeney at the back post and the forward sends it back towards goal, but Everton clear.
28 minSHOT! Watford get the ball down the right flank and send it to Watson, who thumps a shot from the edge of the box, but his attempt goes right to into the goalkeeper's hands.
32 minDeulofeu gets himself into a threatening position by storming through Watford's half and setting up a shot, but he falls over. Oops!
34 minOh dear, the home fans are not happy with the referee. Friend blows up for a push by Deeney on Coleman with the striker sure to be through on goal.
37 minSHOT! Baines takes a free kick for Everton and Watford manage to handle it, but the ball eventually gets sent back into the area. Barkley controls the ball and unleashes a shot, but it goes right into Gomes's arms.
40 minPenalty? Nope! Watford's players appeal somewhat half-heartedly for a spot kick following a clash between Jagielka and Deeney, but the referee says no. It would have been harsh on Everton.
41 minJurado manages to find space down the left and he gets a cross in, but he fails to find one of his teammates and the ball trickles through to Joel.
43 minBOOKING! McCarthy receives the second yellow card of the game as the smashes into Deeney. It was a high challenge from the Everton man.
45 minWIDE! Close from Holebas! McCarthy gives away another foul as he handles on the edge of the box. Jurado's free kick hits the wall, but rebounds back to Capoue. He then unleashes a shot, which deflects behind for a corner. The ball is whipped in and finds Holebas, who heads wide.
45+1 minGOAL! WATFORD 0-1 EVERTON (MCCARTHY)
45+2 minGOAL! WATFORD 1-1 EVERTON (HOLEBAS)
45+2 minWow, what a crazy couple of minutes! McCarthy puts Everton in the lead following a horror mistake from Britos. The defender is too casual on the ball and he allows McCarthy to nudge him aside and send the ball past Gomes. Just two minutes later at the other end, Watford earn a corner and Holebas heads into the net from the back post.
45+3 minHALF-TIME: WATFORD 1-1 EVERTON
3.53pmThe whistle blows for half time and we're all square at Vicarage Road after two goals inside three minutes. It took some time for the game to get going as both sides tried to find their feet. Everton began to take control 15 minutes into the first half, but could not create many meaningful chances. Watford have been dangerous on the counter-attack and both goalkeepers have had saves to make, but until stoppage time, they could not be separated. We'll return for the second half shortly.
46 minRESTART! Watford get the second half underway! Will we see more goals? The excitement of the first half came in stoppage time, but let's hope for more entertainment!
46 minWATFORD SUB: Watford have made a change at the break. Behrami comes off and is replaced with Guedioura.
46 minGuedioura gets involved straight away by picking out Ighalo with a pass, but the referee blows up for a foul and Everton regain possession.
48 minDeulofeu tries to play in Lukaku with a low ball forward, but it's cleared by the hosts and the attack gets broken down.
49 minIt is a much more entertaining second half! It's clear that both sides are going all out for a second and potential winner.
53 minCHANCE! Deulofeu latches onto Watford's clearance and he dodges past defenders before sending a through-ball to Lennon. The winger cuts inside and shoots, but his effort is deflected wide for a corner, which comes to nothing.
55 minSAVE! Great stops from Gomes! Lennon causes problems by cutting inside and sending a low shot towards the corner. He scuffs it, though, and Gomes makes a stop. Lukaku tries to rush for the rebound but Gomes manages to claw the ball back.
59 minWATFORD SUB: The home side make their second change of the match as Jurado makes way for Amrabat.
60 minDeulofeu gets in on the right after Lukaku passes to him on the break, but the Spaniard delays his move and the ball is easily collected by Gomes.
63 minDeeney wins a free kick after pressure from Jagielka, but it's wasted by Holebas, whose effort misses the target and fails to trouble the keeper.
65 minEVERTON SUB: It's the first time that Everton have made a change in the game. Cleverley comes on to replace Barkley.
69 minThe game has settled down slightly, but it's difficult to predict which side could grab a potential winning goal. Watford have had most of the ball in the second half, but Everton pose a threat on the counter-attack.
71 minCHANCE! Some great skill from Lukaku as he fools the defender by teeing up Lennon with a back-heel. The winger shoots but Gomes parries away for a corner, which comes to nothing.
75 minStones is sloppy as he gives the ball away. Amrabat latches on and plays in Capoue down the left, but the former Tottenham man delays his delivery into the box and McCarthy snatches it off him, appearing to injure the Watford man in the process. He seems fine to continue, though.
78 minEVERTON SUB: It's the visitors' second change of the afternoon as Mirallas comes on for Deulofeu.
80 minRisky from Stones as he dives in on Ighalo, but he just manages to get a touch on the ball. If he had timed his tackle a fraction of a second late then he could have been sent off as he was the last man.
82 minWATFORD SUB: It's another change from Watford as Capoue makes way for Suarez.
84 minWatford are putting pressure on the visitors, but despite having all the ball, they are struggling to make it count as they are failing to trouble the keeper.
87 minOFF THE BAR! Gomes initially clears Mirallas's free kick, but Lukaku goes for the rebound, but his close-range effort was deflected onto the top of the crossbar.
90 minEVERTON SUB: The hosts make a change as Funes Mori comes on for Jagielka, who looks to have suffered a hamstring injury.
90+1 minSAVE! Joel prevents Watson from scoring the winner with a 25-yard shot that was going in at the far post.
90+4 minFULL-TIME: WATFORD 1-1 EVERTON
5.01pmSo, there we have it! The good news is that both sides have ended their run of defeats in the Premier League, but the bad news is that they have failed to win this afternoon. Watford and Everton take home one point apiece following a 1-1 draw. James McCarthy opened the scoring for Everton one minute into stoppage time in the first half and Jose Holebas equalised two minutes later. Neither side could find a winner in the second half. That's all from us! Thank you for joining us and until next time, goodbye!
