Roberto Pereyra’s impressive scoring run at Vicarage Road continued in yesterday’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, but it is the Argentine’s attitude that is particularly pleasing Javi Gracia.

The former Juventus midfielder celebrated his 50th Hornets appearance with his third goal of the campaign to take his tally to six in his last six outings at home.

The manner in which the 27-year-old took his goal, curling a right-footed shot past Wayne Hennessey after a determined run from Etienne Capoue, again illustrated the confidence which which he is playing as the Hornerts head coach observed.

“Pereyra has scored many goals, everybody knows he’s an important player for us,” said Gracia. “I think in this moment he feels confident. He finished very well his chances to score, but I think he’s not only a player who’s scoring goals.

“He’s working with a good balance with the rest of the team, he’s showing a very good attitude when we lose the ball and pressing like the rest of the players.

“In this moment, for me, the most important (factor) is the attitude of the team, not only one player, but everybody knows he’s playing well.”

While Pereyra and Jose Holebas scored the goals that gained a historic third straight victory for the Hornets, the win would not have been secured without some excellent defending at times.

Christian Kabasele was the stand-out performer in the eyes of many observers, but Gracia chose to name-check all four members of the Hornets backline.

He said: “Today our defensive work was important and Kabasele, [Craig] Cathcart, [Daryl] Janmaat and Holebas – the line of four – they were amazing because defending against players with high quality, like Benteke and [Wilfried] Zaha, is not easy.

“We are showing different things in different games but always with the team competing in all the games.”