Gianfranco Zola was “pleased and proud” of Watford’s performance after they came from behind to beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 this afternoon.

Former Hornet Marvin Sordell gave Bolton the lead from the penalty spot but Matej Vydra equalised moments later. And it was Vydra who set up Almen Abdi to score the winner in the second half.

Vydra has now scored 11 goals in his last six league starts and Zola said: “Matej showed why so many teams are interested in him. It was another performance of quality, quantity and character. He was absolutely fantastic today.

“Cristian Battocchio and a few others were fantastic as well.

“It was a game where we had to work hard because they were good and we did that. Three games in a week is always hard for us as well. I was pleased and proud of the performance.”

Just four minutes separated Sordell’s penalty and Vydra’s equaliser and Zola believes the timing of their first goal was crucial.

“It was essential we scored the goal when we did,” Zola said.

“I thought the penalty was 50/50 but it served a purpose because we came back stronger and played much better. We reacted very well.”

Click here to read today's match report.