Watford chairman and chief executive Scott Duxbury has said that Javi Gracia's sacking was harsh, but in the club's best interest.

The now former head coach was relieved of his duties after a winless run in the Premier League stretching back to April last season.

The Spaniard was replaced by his compatriot and former Hornets boss Quique Sanchez Flores, who will take charge of his first game since returning this afternoon against Arsenal.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the match, Duxbury claimed the decision was one that pundits would view as unfair, but that ultimately it was one he had to make.

"There's no doubt it's harsh from a human and personal perspective," he said.

"I get that. But I've got to make a professional decision and what I think is best for the football club is not perhaps what the media and pundits think is best.

"Unlike the media and the pundits, I'm here and at the training ground every day, I see what's working and I see what's not working and am able to make an informed decision.

"I don't believe waiting and hoping for results to improve will work and that I need to make a change. It would be wrong of me to wait just because it looks better.

"I've got to be decisive and I've got to make that change. Can it look harsh? Yes. But is it a decision made in the best interests of the football club? Absolutely."