'Timing of the second goal was everything we needed'
While the early goal was most welcome, it was the timing of Watford’s second goal which probably proved even more crucial.
The Hornets had seen Derby work their way back into the game either side of the interval and hit the frame of the goal three times, as well as forcing Jonathan Bond into a couple of top-class saves.
Tom Cleverley admitted he had considered going to five across the back not long before his side scored with a classic counter-attack to make it 2-0.
“We didn’t have bundles of chances in the first half and I was flirting with going to a five after 10 minutes of the second half because I felt we were at full stretch with how well they were flooding the top line,” he explained.
“Then the second goal comes along at a fantastic time for us.
“It was real quality from Moussa Sissoko, who I thought was excellent when he came on in a more advanced midfield role today.
“The timing of the second goal was everything we needed right at that moment.”
When the home side applied pressure following the restart, the Watford defence didn’t buckle.
“I think we were at full stretch just after half-time but we showed character and calm heads, and an appetite to defend,” said Cleverley.
“That’s what the full-backs today gave us, and it gives us the option to go to a four and so that’s where people who are maybe not in the team at full-back, but who bring us more attacking qualities, need to improve.
“If we go to a four, which gets the likes of Vata and Baah in their best positions, then we have to be more resilient in our defending and today we showed that.”
The head coach has talked so much about striking the right balance all season long, and at Pride Park the performance showed what can be achieved when you get it right.
“Even moving into a five at the end we kept our balance,” he said.
“I thought 55 minutes was too early to go into that five, and then 75 was perfect.
“They still looked dangerous getting the ball wide and into the box, and Angelo brings in an extra number which meant Andrews and Larouci could be a bit more aggressive on the outside.
“We went to a five and still looked a threat on counter-attacks.
“That was how I saw the Cardiff game going but it didn’t materialise that way, but today we were a different team.”
Although he didn’t score, Vakoun Bayo again ran himself into the ground, fought for everything and played a key part in the second goal.
“Bayo has been fantastic in the last two games, and he’s having a great season,” said the Watford boss.
“I thought Tuesday there was a lot of negativity around the performance but Bayo was fantastic.
“And then again today – it’s not an easy job leading the line by yourself, but he shows great body language and leads the team from the front.
“He brings others into play and he’s scoring goals, and right now he’s looking like a well-rounded striker.”
