Watford 1-3 Stoke City: Late goals put Championship side through

Late goals from Sam Clucas and Josh Tymon gave Championship side Stoke City a surprise win over a wasteful Watford in the Carabao Cup third round.

Watford, who made 11 changes, fell behind in the first half when Nick Powell turned in Alfie Doughty’s cross.

Ashley Fletcher poked in a leveller but that was the only reward from 26 shots on goal for Xisco Munoz’s side.

Stoke, who only started three players from their league defeat at Derby on Saturday, had goalkeeper Adam Davies to thank for keeping Watford at bay before two slices of fortune put them through.

Clucas’ effort took a deflection off the boot of Moussa Sissoko and flew into the bottom corner, while Tymon shinned a first-time cross over Elliot’s head.

Watford did themselves no favours, with Adam Masina wasting a glorious opportunity before the break when he blasted over the crossbar from a few yards with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Cucho Hernandez also headed against the post when it was 1-1, with Fletcher’s weak follow-up bundled behind.

Watford boss Xisco Munoz:

“These games sometimes happen and today was the day.

“The game was perfect [for Stoke]. The goalkeeper saved incredible balls, we hit the post, we missed the chances.

“In the second half we played the complete game, had control of the game and I don’t know how many chances in the second half.

“We can say that it was an incredible game because I have no other words about this.”

Stoke boss Michael O’Neill:

“I’m delighted. It was a really good performance, we showed all sides of our character throughout today.

“We knew we would come under pressure in the second half, which was the case, but once they levelled we showed a great reaction – we had to defend for 10 or 15 minutes but then we came into the game again.

“It gives me a [selection] headache, it’s a nice headache to have.”