An own-goal from Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes saw Stoke City record a 1-0 victory in Sunday's low-key Premier League clash at Vicarage Road.
The only goal of what was a largely uneventful affair arrived in the 29th minute, with the victory seeing Stoke rise into 10th position in the table, while Watford remain in eighth after suffering their fifth defeat of the campaign.
Both teams had half-chances inside the opening 15 minutes, but the best opportunity fell to the visitors, with Giannelli Imbula just missing the Watford goal after releasing one from all of 30 yards.
It was Stoke that continued to look the most likely to make the breakthrough and they had the lead in the 29th minute when Charlie Adam's header from a corner hit the post before bouncing onto Gomes and dropping into the back of the net.
The Potters had a glorious chance to double their lead moments into the second period when Marko Arnautovic delivered a dangerous cross towards Jonathan Walters, but the Republic of Ireland international just could not make contact.
Watford were lacklustre for the first hour of proceedings and it was not a surprise when Odion Ighalo was introduced as the Hornets looked for more pace and invention in the final third of the field.
Xherdan Shaqiri fired a low free kick into the Watford wall as it remained 1-0 Stoke entering the final 10 minutes of action, while fit-again Stefano Okaka was thrust into action as the hosts looked to hit back late on.
Daryl Janmaat had a half-chance for Watford in the 80th minute, but the former Newcastle United defender missed the target from outside the box and a frustrating afternoon got worse in the final minute when Miguel Britos was sent off after picking up his second booking for a tug on the impressive Shaqiri.
Next up for Watford is a trip to in-form West Bromwich Albion next weekend, while Stoke will welcome Burnley, who are yet to win on the road in the league this season.
Matt Law
