EPL: Sam Allardyce denied win as Watford hold Crystal Palace to a draw

Watford denies Allardyce a winning return to the English Premier League after Deeney's late penalty holds his Crystal Palace to a draw on Boxing day

Watford's Troy Deeney celebrates his 100th goal for the club with teammate during EPL tie against Crystal Palace yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

Watford: Sam Allardyce was "convinced" his side should have had a second penalty after being denied victory in his first game as Crystal Palace manager.

Troy Deeney's 100th strike for Watford earned a share of the points after Yohan Cabaye's opener, but Christian Benteke missed from the spot before Wilfried Zaha was booked for diving inside the area. Mark Clattenburg's decision on Zaha caused frustration for Allardyce, who claimed his Palace side deserved better from the game having turned in an improved performance.

Allardyce said: "I looked at all the incidents and there is no doubt in my mind. It's a penalty for me, but maybe (Clattenburg) didn't want to give three (penalties) today. "I'm a little disappointed in the decision process from one of the best referees in the world today."

However despite the obvious disappointment, Allardyce was encouraged by the display. "In terms of results we played very, very well and it's our own fault we didn't get the three points," he said.

"We got a little deflated at missing the penalty, but we were the dominant side until then." He added: "If we can stay on that level hopefully we'll turn results into victories. "I was looking for the important clean sheet and today we gave that up by giving them a soft penalty."

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