Javi Gracia praised his players’ work ethic after Watford secured an important three points with a 1-0 victory over Everton.

Chances had been at a relative premium for both sides until the 79th minute when Troy Deeney controlled a pass from Stefano Okaka, turned and smashed a rising drive inside Jordan Pickford’s near post.

It ensured the Hornets got back to winning ways following their 2-0 defeat at West Ham United last time out and moved them six points clear of the drop zone.

The Watford head coach said: “I am very happy today because we got three very important points against a very good team.

"I know it was a very tough game, but the most important thing was we worked a lot during all the match and we took our moment and score a good goal.

"We did many other things like more possession, more shots on target but it was a very difficult game because Everton had chances too.

"I’m very proud of my players today because I think we deserved three points.”

The victory moved the Hornets back into the Premier League’s top 10 – they are now four points behind seventh-placed Burnley – but Gracia was sticking by a familiar mantra and would not get drawn into speculating where his side could finish come May.

“I don’t know where he will finish in the future,” he said. “I only focus on the next match. I think it is the best mentality.

“When everybody speaks about how many points you need at the end of the season to achieve your objective I only say one thing, I don’t know how many points. I am sure we are only thinking about winning the next three points, against West Brom.”

Watford have found victories at Vicarage Road relatively hard to come by this season. This was only their fifth in 14 top-flight outings, but two of these have now come under the new Hornets boss following their 4-1 drubbing of Chelsea. Gracia believes the Hornets fans have been key to this.

“When we play at home we feel the backing of our supporters,” he said. “I say today we play with number one, the supporters; number two, the goalkeeper; number three, number four…for us, they are very, very important. Now we have an opportunity to play again another match, against West Brom, and try to play the same way.