This defeat confirmed our relegation back to the Championship after just one season. In the week before the game was played Roy Hodgson confirmed that he would be retiring from football management at the end of the season, however in March 2023 he was once again appointed as Crystal Palace manager.

BBC Sport: Watford have been relegated from the Premier League after Wilfried Zaha’s first-half penalty secured a deserved victory for Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Sky Sports: Despite plenty of pre-match pleasantries, it was an unhappy return for Roy Hodgson to Selhurst Park – back at the club for the first time since his departure as manager last summer – with his side’s return to the Championship confirmed on Saturday afternoon.

The Guardian: Not for the first time this season, their downfall was self-induced. Kamara misjudged his jump in an attempt to clear Eze’s cross to the back post and Olise’s header struck the Ivory Coast defender’s outstretched arm. Kamara claimed that he had been pushed but despite replays showing there had been slight contact, referee Graham Scott was vindicated after the incident was checked by VAR and Zaha made no mistake from the spot.

Fran’s Watford Blog: The game went from bad to worse as Kamara knocked Olise over and was dismissed for a second yellow card.  Hodgson decided that the defence was more important than the attack as he reacted to the sending off by bringing Masina on for Dennis.  It was immediately obvious that not all among the travelling faithful agreed with him.  Palace also made a substitution bringing Mitchell on for Guehi.  Hodgson’s final change saw Troost-Ekong replacing Samir to loud boos from the away end.  Palace had a decent chance when Eze went on a threatening run, but Cathcart did well to block his cross.  At the other end, a Sema shot was blocked for a corner from which Femenía’s delivery was met by the head of Cathcart whose effort flew over the bar.  Viera’s final substitution saw Mateta on in place of Zaha.  The home side had a great chance to increase their lead when the substitute met an Olise free kick with a header that needed a decent save from Foster to keep it out, Mateta got his head on the rebound, but his effort was wide of the target.  A rare bright moment for the Hornets came as Sema released King who crossed for Sarr but he failed to connect.  The home side had one final chance to increase their lead when Schlupp went on a run before unleashing a shot that was stopped by Foster.  Soon after, the final whistle went, and Watford’s relegation was confirmed. 

After the game Roy Hodgson was criticised by a number of Watford fans for failing to acknowledge the away support whilst taking the applause of the home fans upon his return to Selhurst Park. TV cameras also caught him smiling moments after the game ended when our relegation was confirmed.

SportsBible: Watford Fans Annoyed After Roy Hodgson Applauds Crystal Palace Fans

Watford Observer: Hodgson explains reason for not acknowledging Hornets fans after relegation