Three poor refereeing decisions meant that Sunderland’s final game of the season ended in a draw, rather than the Black Cats taking away three points.
A youthful Sunderland side took the lead just before half-time thanks to Jack Rodwell’s strike. Watford levelled through Prodl just three minutes after the break, only for Jeremain Lens to restore the visitor’s lead a further three minutes later.
Watford captain Troy Deeney scored a penalty after John O’Shea was harshly penalised for a tackle in the area.
The Black Cats incorrectly had goals from Dame N’Doye and Duncan Watmore ruled out for offside.
With Sunderland incapable of moving from their 17th place, Sam Allardyce gave débuts to Rees Greenwood and Tom Robson who both impressed. Greenwood set up the first goal, whilst Robson was solid in defence and a threat going forwards – growing in confidence as the game progressed.
George Honeyman came on as a second-half substitute to make his Premier League début for Sunderland, whilst fellow academy graduates Duncan Watmore and Jordan Pickford were recalled to the side.
Now the focus shifts towards next season for Big Sam. He will be hoping to end the rout of relegation battles for the Black Cats and secure Sunderland as a mid-table side. Hopefully some of the young faces seen today will be a part of that team.
Watford Starting XI:
Gomes, Cathcart (Paredes 45), Prodl, Britos, Aké, Abdi (Suárez 66), Guédioura, Watson, Jurado (Amrabat 80), Ighalo, Deeney (c)
Substitutes: Pantilimon, Nyom, Paredes, Suárez, Anya, Amrabat, Berghuis
Sunderland Starting XI:
Pickford, Yedlin (Jones 76), Koné, O’Shea (c), T Robson, Larsson (M’VIla 62), Rodwell, Watmore, Lens, Greenwood (Honeyman 62), N’Doye
Substitutes: Mannone, Jones, Brown, M’Vila, Honeyman, Khazri, Defoe
Goals: Rodwell (39), Prodl (48), Lens (51), Deeney (61, p)
Bookings: Guédioura (80, Persistent Fouling)
Attendance: 21,012
Referee: Kevin Friend
