‘Unforgettable’ victory over Chelsea is the perfect home start for Watford boss Javi Gracia

Offensive: Troy Deeney could face disciplinary action after gesturing towards Chelsea fans following his successful spot-kick
EPA
Giuseppe Muro6 February 2018

Javi Gracia described his first home game in charge of Watford as “unforgettable” after watching his side beat Chelsea at Vicarage Road.

The new head coach celebrated his first win since taking over and saw his team, who had won only once in their 12 previous Premier League games, move up to 11th in the table.

“You always work for nights like this, but this is unforgettable,” said the 47-year-old Spaniard. “I am very proud of my team and very happy for our fans to enjoy a great victory.

“I am very happy because of this performance, really proud of the work of my players.

“The team worked very hard and we defended well. Chelsea are a very big club. It is important not only for the three points but we needed that for the motivation and to believe in our work.”

Watford captain Troy Deeney could face a two-match ban for his goal ‘celebration’ last night. The striker gave Watford a first-half lead from the penalty spot and celebrated with both his middle fingers up. If the incident was not seen by referee Mike Dean, then Deeney could face retrospective action.

Richarlison, meanwhile, was reduced to tears on the bench after he was substituted by Gracia in the second half and the Brazilian explained: “I was crying because I wanted to help my team-mates, but in the end the guy that entered the pitch did the job well, so it is all okay.”

Fine start: Javi Gracia
Getty Images

The win moves Watford six points clear of the relegation zone and they now face three crucial games — against West Ham on Saturday, then Everton and West Brom.

Gracia said: “It is only three points and we try to get the next three points in the next game.”

Chelsea, reduced to 10 men after Tiemoue Bakayoko’s dismissal, looked to have denied Watford when Eden Hazard equalised in the 82nd minute, but late goals from Daryl Janmaat, Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereyra sealed the win.

Gracia said: “We played better in the first half. We had more difficulties in the second half but then to score the second goal was incredible.”

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