Stoke down Watford

Watford - Stoke moved within a point of Manchester United in sixth place in the English Premier League after accounting for Watford 2-1 on Saturday.

Watford played like a shadow of the side which beat Arsenal to reach the FA Cup semifinals last weekend.

Jonathan Walters, recalled as a starter, took advantage of a Watford error to convert Phil Bardsley's cross at the far post in the first half. Bardsley set up Marko Arnautovic moments later but the goal was disallowed for a slim offside.

Soon after the interval, Stoke was 2-0 up pouncing on another error. Norwich goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes scuffed his free kick straight to Walters, who volleyed to Joselu to put away.

Watford finally replied when substitute Ikechi Anya crossed for Troy Deeney to head in. But they couldn't add an equalizer.