Adrian Mariappa admitted a lack of concentration cost Watford as they conceded twice in quick succession to lose 2-1 against Burnley.

Sam Vokes and Jack Cork’s second half goals came within three minutes of each other as Roberto Pereyra's opener was cancelled out at Vicarage Road.

Both goals came from a familiar failing as Watford struggled to defend at two free-kicks and Mariappa accepted the Hornets may have lost focus.

“Today maybe it was a concentration thing and we are disappointed. Up until that point I thought we defended really well as a team. Two minutes of madness and they are in the lead,” Mariappa said.

“Two minutes and two set pieces have cost us and we are very disappointed to come away with nothing.

“Up until their first goal I thought it was a good performance, but two poorly defended set pieces have lost us the game. We will have a look at it and work on it during the week.”

Mariappa was culpable for Vokes’ goal which pulled Burnley level as his misguided header broke for the striker, who scored with his first touch just 22 seconds after coming on.

The centre-back felt he was fouled in the build up to the goal, but refused to dwell on the supposed foul.

“It came off me and that is why he is onside,” he said of Vokes’ strike. “I thought I was nudged in the build up to the first goal, but I haven’t seen it back.

“The referee hasn’t given it so that doesn’t matter now and we have to look at it again and see where we are at.”

Watford’s lack of defensive solidity was in contrast to the manner in which they attacked throughout the game as the likes of Will Hughes and Roberto Pereyra impressed.

Mariappa was quick to praise the attacking players and admitted it was in defence where Watford had let themselves down.

He said: “The forward boys were terrific. Hughesy was outstanding today and we played some really good stuff. You have to shut up shop at the other end and we did not do that today.”