If there was ever a time for the Hornets to put in their most ruthless performance of the season it was at Fulham. 

And as one of the 2,484 Watford fans crammed into Craven Cottage on a bitterly cold Friday evening, I for one feel that my patience was repaid.

It is crazy to think if the result went the other way we may be another head coach down almost halfway into the season.

However, after our brilliant performance, the Golden Boys have re-established themselves as a big promotion candidate.

Watford bulldozed Fulham and took them apart once the Cottagers were reduced to ten men.

This was largely due to the complete domination in midfield, the impressive triumvirate led by Almen Abdi.

After scoring a crafty free-kick it was the Swiss midfielder’s slaloming run and deft pass that led to Matej Vydra winning a penalty and ultimately turning the game on its head.

Abdi then added to his flawless performance with a 25 yard screamer which will probably secure the goal of the season award.

Troy Deeney’s hat trick may have claimed more column inches but it was Abdi who put the game to bed. He led Watford’s cohesive midfield in such talismanic form, I can’t help but start to believe once again.

Now seemingly back to his best, Abdi’s touch of Premier League class – which has been restricted by injuries during the past year – was enough to end our ugly four game losing streak.

Watching Abdi dazzle, Daniel Tozser dictate and Gianni Munari dart around the pitch, I couldn’t help but make comparisons to the balance of the midfield that almost gained promotion under Gianfranco Zola two seasons ago.

Zola’s effective trio of Jonathan Hogg, Nathaniel Chalobah and Abdi had the guile to win games but also showed the grit to close matches out.

After testing numerous combinations with the plethora of midfield talent at our disposal, the balance of the midfield finally feels right.

Abdi’s link up play with Toszer against Fulham really showed what two players of that class and understanding can do at this level.

However, most importantly, I believe Munari’s inclusion in the side is even more justified than his aforementioned teammates.

The Italian’s hard work and tenacious playing style has seen him nail down a regular place in the Watford midfield.

A lot of his good work tends to go unnoticed but the 31-year-old has filled the void left by Hogg.

His necessary ‘donkey work’ allows the creative powers of Tozser and Abdi to probe the opposition without worrying as much about their defensive responsibilities.

Munari has settled quickly into Championship football – a league which requires the combative attributes that he has in abundance.

And his unselfish style of play is a key ingredient in a devastating midfield concoction.