Sebastian Prödl was understandably disappointed when he spoke to the press after Watford’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. He was then told Spurs’ winner was offside. It didn’t help the centre-back’s mood.

“It was offside? Maybe it is better to not ask me about the referee,” the Austrian said sharply. His frustration evident.

It had been a difficult afternoon for the Hornets. They were beaten 2-1 at Vicarage Road by Mauricio Pochettino's side but it was referee Anthony Taylor and his assistants who caused the most upset.

Firstly Taylor sent off Nathan Ake for a foul on Erik Lamela. A decision Prödl felt was influenced by the Spurs players.

“I think the referee got a little bit stressed because too many Tottenham players ran over to the injured player,” the 28-year-old said.

“From my point of view it wasn’t a red card. It was a hard foul of course but not worth a red.”

Then, in the 89th minute, Son Heung-min scored Tottenham’s winner.

However, subsequently replays showed the goal should’ve been ruled out as the South Korean was clearly offside in the build-up.

“They didn’t have a good chance to score apart from their action for the goal,” Prödl said.

“We deserved a point at least because we defended well in the last 30 minutes with ten men.

"We don’t put things on the referee but we’re disappointed at the moment.”

Prödl’s appearance against Spurs was his first for Watford for over two months.

The defender hadn’t featured for the Hornets since their defeat at Arsenal due to a combination of a calf injury and the form of Miguel Britos.

But the Uruguayan came off after 60 minutes against Tottenham and Prödl was thrust back into action.

“It is good to be back after a difficult injury,” he said. “I am hoping to get in good shape as soon as possible so I can play for 90 minutes.

“We underestimated the injury a little bit. It was a little worse than we thought."

He added: "Both Craig (Cathcart) and Britos have had very good games in the past but so have I.

“I will do my best to get back into the team. We have a lot of games coming up in January so it is a good time for me to get back in perfect shape and into the team.”

While Prödl was sidelined Watford went from strength to strength in the top flight.

They rose to seventh in the division, a position they held until yesterday. The Hornets are now eighth on 29 points.

“The team have done sensational stuff during the time I was out,” said Prödl.

“We are doing very well in the table. It gives me the chance to come back into the team without pressure.”