Javi Gracia ‘not focusing on the table’ after Watford go sixth with late winner

Watford head coach Javi Gracia was staying level headed after watching his side grab a dramatic late winner to beat Norwich 1-0 and move into the Championship play-off zone.

A low-key encounter at Carrow Road appeared to be heading for a goalless draw until Watford made a counter-attack count in the 90th minute.

With Norwich pushing forward for a winner speedy winger Nestory Irankunda nicked possession and dashed down the left wing before picking out fellow substitute Vivaldo Semedo, who found the back of the net via a big deflection.

Gracia was delighted to see his side stretch their impressive run to just one defeat in 12, but is not reading too much into being sixth in the table.

“This is just the first game of the second half of the season and I am not focusing on the table,” he said.

“I am focused on my work, trying to improve the team day by day and I am sure the players are the same.

“Tonight I thought we played a good defensive game. That is certainly something that has improved since I have been here.

“We knew Norwich would have more of the ball, but we did a good job restricting the chances they had and had some good opportunities as well.

“With so many games you have to make use of your substitutes and I thought they made the difference for us.

“They all made big contributions and for the goal two of them were involved. I was delighted for Vivaldo who has worked very hard for us and got the goal he deserved.”

Max Alleyne had hit the post for Watford in the first half, while Tom Ince missed a good chance from a central position.

But the result was rough justice on the hosts, who were on the front foot for long periods and had a number of near misses before their late heartbreak.

Norwich head coach Phillippe Clement, whose lowly side were unbeaten in four going into the game, was certainly feeling hard done by afterwards.

“I thought it was clear that they (Watford) didn’t deserve to get three points,” he said.

“It was like a boxing match, we were the strongest and they were on the ropes at times.

“And then we get hit by a late punch – when the cross came in we were covering well in the middle but the shot took a big deflection and there was nothing Vlad (Kovacevic) could do about. If that hadn’t happened he would have had it covered.

“I think where we lost this game was in the final third where we needed to be more lethal in front of goal.

“It’s hard to take but it’s part of football and when you have been involved in the game as long as I have you experience it quite a lot.

“Overall the performances are getting better – and all the players can do is push their chests out, keep their chins high and be ready to go for the next one.”