Watford striker Troy Deeney has criticised Gabriel Paulista for what he describes as a potential 'leg-breaking challenge' during the 2-1 victory over Arsenal.

The Englishman was left unhappy with the way Gabriel lunged in for a 50-50 tackle, though referee Andre Mariner did not even award the Hornets man a free kick.

Speaking after the game, Deeney admitted to being frustrated at seeing the incident go unpunished, but was happy to put a line under it after helping his side to progress into the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

"I was unhappy with that [tackle]," The Sun quotes him as saying. "I could have went through him as well, and thought I'd try my best to keep my studs down and the letter of the law. He came over the top. He wasn't intentionally going to do me but fair play, he apologised.

"I was a bit frustrated in the initial moment because they're the ones that can break legs but I'm a big lad and rode the tackle. We're men at the end of the day and there are no hard feelings."

Deeney's strike partner Odion Ighalo scored the opening goal of the tie at the Emirates Stadium, before Adlene Guedioura belted home a second to bag what proved to be the winner.