Watford twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Sunderland as Quique Sanchez Flores oversaw his final game in charge at Vicarage Road.
The Black Cats looked on course to celebrate achieving Barclays Premier League survival with a final-day victory as Jack Rodwell and then Jeremain Lens put them in front.
But both times Watford hit back, Sebastian Prodl heading home and Troy Deeney converting a second-half penalty to ensure the Hornets took a point, with honorary life president Elton John watching from the stands.
Sunderland may well feel aggrieved after the impressive Duncan Watmore and Dame N’Doye both had goals ruled out.
It means Watford end the season 13th in the table while Sunderland finish 17th, just outside the relegation places.
Flores on Friday confirmed he will leave at the end of the campaign and while there was a smattering of appreciative banners in the crowd, there was no obvious distress regarding the Spaniard’s departure.
Watford have avoided relegation for the first time in the Premier League era, and reached an FA Cup semi-final, but this was their eighth point from the last 30 available and performances have not suggested a turnaround is near.
