FA Cup: Watford Eliminate Wolves, Set-Up Final Against Man City
Two goals from substitute Gerard Deulofeu helped Watford produce a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to beat Wolves 3-2 and set up an FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City.
Strikes from Matt Doherty before the break and Raul Jimenez after it had appeared enough to make Nuno Espirito Santo’s team the first Wolves side to reach an FA Cup final since 1960.
But Deulofeu pulled one back with a brilliant chip 11 minutes from the end before, in injury time, Leander Dendoncker fouled Troy Deeney and, after a VAR check, Deeney smashed home the penalty to force extra time.
Deulofeu produced the decisive moment in the first extra period, sliding home an angled finish to put Watford into their first FA Cup final since 1984.
Wolves had almost made a spectacular start to the match, Jonny’s strike fizzing over, but Watford came back to win a corner that was confidently dealt with by keeper John Ruddy.
A foul by Mariappa on Diogo Jota gave Wolves a free kick which Joao Moutinho steered over the wall and only fractionally over the bar.
Etienne Capoue had a shot blocked for Watford before Wolves’ Romain Saiss was booked for a clattering 10th-minute challenge on Roberto Pereyra.
On the half-hour, Watford produced their best moment so far, Deeney dropping deeper to float in a cross for Andre Gray, who could only divert the ball over.
Back came Wolves, and Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes made a fine stop from Dendoncker’s deflected shot — but from the corner they were in front, Jonny crossing for Doherty to head in.
Watford could have conceded a second soon afterwards when Jota set off on a dangerous run, cut inside and bent his shot narrowly wide.
But the Hornets recovered to create another chance on half-time, Conor Coady making a brilliant block to thwart Gray after Deeney had flicked on.
