Adrian Mariappa chose to focus on the positives of an improved attacking display after Watford slipped to a 2-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.

Goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane were enough to give the hosts all three points in a match which saw Hugo Lloris make smart saves from Andre Gray, Richarlison and Andre Carrillo.

Watford were competitive throughout the clash, but nonetheless saw their run without an away goal reach 728 minutes at the home of English football.

For Mariappa, the Hornets’ efforts going forward deserved more than they returned and he believes Watford’s strikers are working hard to end their drought on the road.

“Coming here and creating that many chances, to not come away with a goal is a little bit disappointing,” Mariappa said.

“We need to take the positives out of that, though, and I think we put on a good attacking display.

“Lloris made some really top saves and showed why he is a top class keeper. It is not going for us at the moment away from home in front of goal.

“Like I have said, we have to take the positives and there was a lot of positives going forward today.”

Watford’s task was made all the tougher after Orestis Karnezis gifted Spurs a 16th minute opener when dropping a routine cross to allow Alli to fire home.

The keeper has been a solid presence since stepping into Heurelho Gomes’ number one shirt but his form has dipped slightly in recent weeks.

Rather than dwell on the error, Mariappa chose to highlight the manner in which Watford reacted to going behind and insists the Hornets win and lose as a team.

He said: “I thought you saw the reaction from the team. It is a mistake but then you have to try and deal with it after that.

“The team didn’t let their heads drop and we picked ourselves up, went again and created loads of chances after that.

“Mistakes happen in games and it is not about blaming individuals. I have been accountable myself as well, but we are in it together.”