The Watford boss is optimistic his players will buck the trend of the past three Premier League seasons and not let their campaign peter out in the second half.

The 2-1 defeat to Chelsea meant the Hornets finished the first half of 2018/19 season 10th in the table following West Ham United's win over Southampton last night, with 27 points on the board.

In the three years since they returned to the top-flight though, Watford have found it harder going in the second part of the campaign and this has been reflected by the number of points they have achieved.

Asked how he reflected on the first half of the season following Wednesday night’s defeat, Javi Gracia said: “I think we are in a good moment. I have good feelings. We can win, we can lose but when I see my players they always give their best and are competing in all the games we’ve played and with different options against all the teams we’ve played so far.

“I’m happy with their behaviour and I’m sure we’ll keep it in the future as well.”

The Hornets will look to kick-start the second half of the campaign in winning fashion when they face Newcastle United at Vicarage Road tomorrow.