Goals from Jonathan Walters and Joselu have earned Stoke City a 2-1 victory away at Watford, a result which takes the Potters into seventh place in the Premier League table.

It took a quarter-of-an-hour for either side to create any significant chances inside the final third, but with their first opening, Stoke took the lead through Walters, who was well placed at the back post to convert a cross delivered by Phil Bardsley.

Moments later, Arnautovic could have doubled his team's lead but after being played through, he dragged a shot well wide of the target.

Watford slowly got back into the contest, but their best opportunity of the opening half-hour saw Troy Deeney head over the crossbar after meeting a corner.

However, just before the break, Jose Manuel Jurado was presented with a clearer opportunity after a neat touch by Odion Ighalo, but he fired his effort into the stands when he should have at least tested Jack Butland.

The Hornets started the second half on the front foot but Stoke doubled their lead six minutes after the restart as Joselu lofted the ball over Heurelho Gomes and into the net.

The home supporters expected a response from their side but it did not materialise, with a shot from Nordin Amrabat being greeted by sarcastic cheers as Watford struggled to create anything of note.

However, with five minutes left, they halved the deficit through Deeney, who was in the right place to head home after some excellent work from substitute Ikechi Anya.

Watford pushed for an equaliser but Stoke were able to hold on to keep them in the hunt for a Europa League spot.