Julian Speroni: Produced two excellent saves to keep Palace ahead in the first half - one of which was absolutely world class. Could do nothing with goals and caught everything he came for second half. 7

Nathaniel Clyne: Maybe could have done better for the first goal but defended brilliantly for the last 15 minutes, breaking up numerous attacks down his side and surging forward to relieve the pressure on the defence. 7

Adam Barrett: Made his 500th career appearance having kept his place ahead of Davis and was solid without being spectacular before concussion forced him off in the second half. I'm not sure where he was for the two Watford goals. 6

Paddy McCarthy: Some poor defending at times was mixed with some truly brilliant stuff. His block on Graham stopped the big man from scoring the simplest of tap-ins and set up the move leading to the first goal. He also made two last-ditch headers to keep Palace ahead and let out a roar of delight at the final whistle. 7

David Wright: He is getting better with games and showed he had some pace on him. Defending well enough with some well-timed tackles but did not get forward enough to support the winger in front of him. 7

Alex Marrow: Caught napping a bit for Watford's first goal and struggled to stamp his authority on the game as he was overrun in the middle of the park. Has lost some of his promising early season form. 5

Owen Garvan: Anonymous in the first half, apart from the run to set up Ambrose, but then exploded into life with his two super strikes in the second that clinched victory. With a left foot like that Palace should be getting him into those positions to shoot more often. Star Man. 7

Neil Danns: Amazing recovery from a medial ligament injury and added a touch of class to the side. His effort cannot be faulted either despite playing in an unfavoured wide right role. 6

Darren Ambrose: Stunning effort is an early contender for goal of the season that will take some beating. Wasn't really in the game the rest of the first half as Palace had their backs to the wall but had an impact after the break and perhaps should have had another. 6

James Vaughan: Looked far more comfortable playing in a 4-4-2 than being up front on his own and is being asked to win a lot of headers. He worked hard but again his touch and decision making let him down at crucial moments. 5

Pablo Counago: Always willing to get the ball he struggled to hold on to it as Watford surrounded him. Yet to click completely with Vaughan and outshone by the excellent Zaha when replaced. 5

Subs:

Wilfried Zaha (Counago, 53): What a talent and an inspired substitution from Burley. He added some much needed zip and excitement and his skill to set up Garvan was breath-taking. Celebrates his 18th birthday today. 7

Claude Davis (Barrett, 73): Did what he did best, winning headers and thumping the ball away. When he is like that he is an excellent defender. 6

Alassane N'Diaye (Ambrose, 83): Made some vital clearances when Palace were up against it. 6

NOT USED: Kieron Cadogan, Charlie Mann, Kieran Djilali, Jon Obika.