JAVI GRACIA revealed fired-up Gerard Deulofeu inspired Watford to one of Wembley’s greatest comebacks.
The Hornets battled back from two goals down to reach their first FA Cup final since 1984.
Supersub Deulofeu provided the spark with a brace either side of Troy Deeney’s dramatic injury-time penalty, which took the tie into extra-time.
Watford boss Gracia admitted leaving Deulofeu out of his starting line-up paid off spectacularly.
He said: “Gerard was angry when we started to play.
“But I like to see the players this way, when they’ve felt angry, to show what they are able to do. He helped the team score two important goals.
“The first one was high quality but it was not a surprise to me because I see him do it in training.
Gerard was angry when we started to play
Watford boss Javi Gracia on Gerard Deulofeu
“We knew when we started with other players that Gerard would be important at some time.
“What I didn’t know was when we decided to play him we’d be losing 2-0.
“However, all season the players have showed me they deserve to play and it’s not easy to choose the exact moments for them.”
The whole of Wembley held its breath as referee Michael Oliver waited for VAR to confirm his penalty award in the 92nd minute.
Video officials checked to see whether Wolves midfielder Leander Dendoncker had made contact with Deeney as the striker went down in the box.
However, Gracia claimed his heart never skipped a beat before watching his skipper smash in the equalising spot-kick.
NEVER IN DOUBT
The Spaniard said: “In that moment I was full of confidence. I was totally calm because I knew Troy would score.
“He is our captain and is so important to us.”
Emotional Deeney, 30, said: “I was holding back the tears — 12 years ago I was paying £10 a week to play football and now I’m in the final!”
Wolves looked in control after Matt Doherty’s first-half header and Raul Jimenez’s volley just after the hour mark.
But ex-Barcelona ace Deulofeu’s brilliant 79th-minute curler turned the match on its head.
Gracia added: “We knew the game would be very demanding.
“But when everything was lost, the team was able to show character, personality and ambition.”
Watford now have a May 18 final date with Manchester City, who could be going for the third leg of the Quad.
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Gracia refused to say whether Vicarage Road favourite Heurelho Gomes, 38, would finish his Hornets career with a fairytale Cup final appearance.
But selfless first-choice keeper Ben Foster says he wants the Brazilian to keep his place.
When asked what he would do if he was picked for the final, Foster said: “I’ll absolutely refuse! Heurelho deserves it.”
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News Photo Watford boss Gracia reckons ‘angry’ Deulofeu was key to FA Cup victory
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