Adebayor, now 31, had scored 123 times for his Premier League clubs but his last strike was back on Oct 26 2014, when he was on target in Tottenham's 2-1 home defeat by Newcastle. This though, was like a flashback to the old days when scoring was free and fun.
The afternoon's first big talking point came in the 15th minute after Nathan Ake, the foraging full-back, had won the visitors a corner. Ben Watson, a former Palace favourite, was greeted warmly by the Holmesdale End supporters as he trotted across to take the kick, but within moments the home mood had turned to black.
Referee Robert Madley, who had awarded a league high of 10 penalties in the 17 Premier League games he has taken charge of this season, ruled that Palace captain Mile Jedinak had impeded Deeney as the ball swung into the area.
Jedinak and his team-mates looked stunned as the West Yorkshire official pointed to the penalty spot but Deeney coolly rolled the ball past Wayne Hennessey in front of the furious home support.
Not that Watford were flattered by their lead. In fact, a lethargic Palace should have been in far deeper trouble. Hennessey kept his eye on the angles as he blocked a driven effort from Odion Ighalo, who had cut in from the left. The Watford striker then saw a high-stepping finish over the bar after Deeney had flicked on Watson's free-kick.
Who dominated at Selhurst Park?
It all changed seconds from half-time when Connor Wickham crossed from the left, the ball arcing perfectly for Adebayor. Instinct took over and, from 12 yards out and facing little challenge, Adebayor sent his header soaring into the roof of the Watford net.
Palace were much improved after the break and Adebayor came close to a second, stabbing a close-range shot at Huerelho Gomes in the 58th minute. The Watford goalkeeper also did well to push away Jordan Mutch's drive soon afterwards.
Watford threatened on the break, however, and Palace paid a heavy price eight minutes from the end when the unmarked Deeney swept the ball home.
Palace's discomfort was complete in added time when Pape Souare was shown a red card for a high tackle on Valon Behrami.
- Telegraph