Troy Deeney has admitted Watford’s players recently ‘took it in turns’ to target and kick Wilfried Zaha during their recent encounter with Crystal Palace.

The forward Deeney revealed that a plan based around fouling Zaha was devised to stop the Crystal Palace forward during the 2-1 Premier League victory at Vicarage Road on 26 August.

"You take it in turns kicking him," Deeney told BBC Radio Five Live. "I know no one wants to hear that, but you go: 'You hit this time, you hit him the next time'. You don't have the same player tackle him because you know you're going to get booked."

Deeney insists Zaha's protest against the physical treatment he receives, combined with his reputation for diving, can be used to manipulate referees.

"It's difficult, but also as a captain I'd be the first... if we were playing him this week and he'd just said those comments I'd have been like: 'Ref, don't you be the first one to give him a pen. Don't you start going easy on him'," he said.

"You can then flip it and start being more psychological with the referees."

The striker's comments come in the wake of a plea from Zaha to be given more protection by referees due to his belief that he is deliberately targeted by opponents.

After suffering another rough experience against Huddersfield, the Ivory Coast international said he feared for his safety unless referees offered him more protection.

Zaha lamented: “I know that for a fact [opponents are out there to hurt me] but I just don't know what to do anymore.

Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Heurelho Gomes - 7 out of 10 Made a number of good saves, looked good in the air from set pieces and could do very little about the close range goal – all round it was a good performance from the Brazilian. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Craig Cathcart - 6 out of 10 Done the simple things well and supplied a key element to a very strong Watford defence. AFP/Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Sebastian Prodl - 8 out 10 Was an influence defensively and going forward. He won a large amount of aerial balls and looked strong in his tackles throughout. Fantastic performance. AFP/Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Miguel Britos 6 out 10 He done well with the ball at his feet, but he was getting caught out from time to time by the United forwards. AFP/Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Daryl Janmaat - 6 out of 10 His effort rate was faultless throughout, and he got a good assist. He done well today and held his own. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Valon Behrami 6 out of 10 Dealt with Pogba well and patrolled the pitch well. He looked strong and comfortable in possession. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Etienne Capoue 7 out of 10 He continued this seasons fine form today, as he terrorised the United defence all dya and got a goal as a reward for his efforts. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Jose Holebas 6 out of 10 He dealt with Rashford well and looked strong defensively throughout. There was a joyous simplicity about his defending that closed down a number of United attacks. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Roberto Pereyra - 6 out of 10 He done well whilst in possession and proved a problem for the United defence, but from time to time he was making the wrong passing decisions. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Troy Deeney - 8 out of 10 He won numerous headers throughout, looked energetic throughout and scored the final penalty to seal the deal. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Odion Ighalo - 7 out of 10 Despite an early open-goal miss, he put a fantastic shift in for his side and his work rate is faultless. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings David de Gea - 6 out of 10 After repeating his mid week mistake, there is certainly room for improvement when it comes to his decision making. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Antonio Valencia - 6 out of 10 Looked quick and strong – he done the simple things right but passes at times were sloppy. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Erc Bailly - 6 out of 10 He didn’t see too much of the ball, but when was in possession, he looked comfortable and confident. His positioning was sometimes questionable. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Chris Smalling - 4 out of 10 After being brought into the side for his aerial ability, he failed to beat the Watford strikers and lost a number of balls in the air. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Luke Shaw - 7 out of 10 His speed was crucial today and he made a number of important challenges – looked good. Man Utd via Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Marouane Fellaini - 5 out of 10 Was brought into the side to patrol the middle of the park and win the aerial balls – but he was repeatedly beat in the air and made a number of questionably/risky challenges. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Paul Pogba - 4 out of 10 Despite an early strike hitting the woodwork, he struggled to find his feet and prove why he is the worlds most expensive signing. Passes were sloppy and his challenges were clumbsy. AFP/Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Anthony Martial - 6 out 10 Looked confident and was causing a threat until he was subbed for a head injury. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Wayne Rooney - 5 out of 10 Looked uncomfortable in his new position, but started to find his feet as the game progressed. Looked uncomfortable in possession and lacked attacking prowess. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Marcus Rashford - 6 out of 10 Looked lost on the wing and struggled to prove his potential, but his goal brang his side a glimpse of hope. Getty Images Watford vs Manchester United player ratings Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 5 out of 10 He had a few chances, but was unable to convert. He wasn’t as involved as a player like Zlatan shoud be – he needs to do better. Getty Images

“I end up arguing with referees because today the guy studded me in my shin - do they need to break my leg before anyone gets a red card?”

Deeney, meanwhile, has been cleared for Saturday's trip to the Emirates Stadium despite playing with broken toes in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Fulham.

He sat out the Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham in midweek but Watford boss Javi Gracia has revealed the in-form marksman has been taking a full role in training.

"I don't have a doubt about that - he's available. He's trained very well this week with us. He's fit," Gracia said.

Wilfried Zaha wants more protection against opponents who are deliberately fouling him (Reuters)

Christian Kabasele has been cleared to face Arsenal after successfully appealing against the red card shown against Tottenham on Wednesday.

Kabasele was sent off by referee Lee Mason for a foul on Dele Alli in the 81st minute at Stadium MK, with the Spurs midfielder scoring the resulting penalty.