A second half collapse saw Watford surrender a 2-0 lead and fall to a 3-2 loss against Everton at Goodison Park.

Goals from Richarlison and Christian Kabasele looked to be enough to give the Hornets all three points before the shock comeback.

Orestis Karnezis’ introduction from the bench for the injured Heurelho Gomes proved to be decisive as he had a debut to forget.

Mistakes from the stopper gifted Oumar Niasse and Dominic Clavert-Lewin goals as the hosts battled back to 2-2, before Leighton Baines completed the turnaround form the spot in stoppage time.

There was still time for Tom Cleverley to miss a penalty as 12 minutes of added time were played on a dire day for Watford.

Here’s how Watford’s players got on at Goodison Park.

Heurelho Gomes – 7.5

Watford Observer:

Speaks volumes that the turning point arrived with the Brazilian’s departure as Watford conceded two laughably poor goals in Gomes’ absence.

Smart save in the first half to deny Leighton Baines and was once again at his best to prevent Gylfi Sigurdsson netting in the second.

Watford, you suspect, would have eased to a win had Gomes not been replaced by Orestis Karnezis.

Kiko Femenia – 6

Got forward well in the first half and laid on a fine chance for Andre Gray who fluffed his lines in the first half. Influenced waned as the game went on.

Christian Kabasele – 6.5

Dispatched his header with minimal fuss to make it 2-0 and give Watford what looked like a winning lead.

Watford will hope for a swift recovery for the defender who was stretchered off.

Miguel Britos - 5.5

Little to worry the centre back in the first half, but like the rest of the Watford defence went missing as they fell apart in the second.

Jose Holebas – 5

While Karnezis will take most of the blame for Everton’s first goal, Holebas was also culpable as he allowed Niasse to race beyond him.

Unfortunate to lose his footing when fouling Aaron Lennon to concede the Toffees’ winning penalty, but the record books will show he was the man to hand Everton the win.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6

Started slowly, but grew into the game and looked to get Watford playing on the front foot, but in truth lacked his usual command of the game. 

Tom Cleverley – 5

Watford Observer: stoppage time penalty woefully wide of the mark.

The game got away from the Watford midfield as Everton grew in belief after the first goal and Cleverley struggled to make a mark on proceedings.

Will Hughes – 6.5

Watford’s most productive midfielder in the first half and looked bright on his first Premier League start.

Influence dropped off as the game wore on, which hardly surprising considering how little football he has played since arriving in the summer.

Richarlison – 7

Watford Observer:

Took his goal well and won the late penalty which should have got Watford a point. Should have score after rounding Jordan Pickford from Andre Gray’s pass.

Didn’t allow the miss to get him down and worked hard throughout,

Andre Gray – 6.5

His best game in a Watford shirt for some time and he held the ball up better than he has for much of the game.

Set up Watford’s opener and could have had another assist had Richarlison finished at the end of the first half.

Andre Carrillo – 5.5

A continuing lack of end product from the winger and he failed to influence the game to any real extent.

Rarely involved and the game passed him by.

SUBS

Orestis Karnezis – 2

A debut to forget for the Greek stopper as his introduction heralded the start of Everton’s comeback.

Raced off his line needlessly for the Toffees’ first goal and was weak under Baines Looping corner as Calvert-Lewin levelled.

Looked well out of his depth and Gomes will have few concerns about his position between the sticks.

Adrian Mariappa – 6

Came on for the injured Kabasele and bar heading wide had little involvement.

Stefano Okaka – N/A

Back in a match day squad for the first time since Bournemouth away on August 19, but only entered the fray in stoppage time.