Troy Deeney salvages point for Watford as boss Flores bows out

Watford twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Sunderland in the final game in charge at Vicarage Road for Quique Sanchez Flores.

The Black Cats looked on course to celebrate achieving Premier League survival with a final-day victory as Jack Rodwell and Jeremain Lens twice had them in front.

But twice Watford hit back, Sebastian Prodl heading home and then Troy Deeney converting a second-half penalty to ensure the Hornets took a point as honorary life president Elton John watched from the stands.

Sunderland may well feel aggrieved after the impressive Duncan Watmore and Dame N'Doye both had goals ruled out.

The draw means Watford end the season 13th in the table while Sunderland finish 17th, just outside the relegation places.

On Friday, Flores confirmed he will leave at the end of the campaign despite Watford avoiding relegation for the first time in the Premier League era and reaching an FA Cup semifinal.

But this was their eighth point from the last 30 available, and recent performances have not suggested a turnaround is near.

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The Hornets, however, needed only look in the opposition dugout for a note of caution. Sam Allardyce was sacked by Newcastle in 2008 with the club 11th in the table and the Magpies have endured two relegations since, the latest sealed by Sunderland's win over Everton on Wednesday.

The visiting supporters spent most of the first half celebrating their rivals demise as fancy dress, inflatable animals and an impressive repertoire of anti-Newcastle chants contributed to a party atmosphere in the away end.

Allardyce was even invited to repeat his safety-sealing dance by the travelling fans, although this time he opted to stay seated.

On the pitch the first half was a largely drab affair until the 39th minute when Sunderland, with nine changes to their starting lineup, took the lead.

Debutant Rees Greenwood did well to recycle the ball wide to Lens and, as his driven cross evaded the entire Watford defence, Rodwell was on hand at the back post to slam home his first league goal of the season.

Watford may have felt unfortunate to be behind, but two minutes later they were lucky not to concede another as Watmore's goal was ruled out for offside, with replays suggesting he was level.

The Hornets capitalised at the start of the second half and with another touch of good fortune as Prodl headed in Adlene Guedioura's corner, but only after he had given John O'Shea a push in the back to make space.

Parity lasted just three minutes, however, as Sunderland countered, Watmore sliding in Lens on the right who beat Nathan Ake before driving under Heurelho Gomes to put his team back in front.

Sunderland could have been two clear when N'Doye headed in Sebastian Larsson's free-kick, but the goal was ruled out when again he appeared onside -- and moments later Watford again took advantage.

O'Shea brought Jose Manuel Jurado down with a high foot in the area and Deeney converted the penalty to leave the contest in the balance.

Both sides pushed forward in search of a winner, but there was to be no late drama as each settled for a point.