Walter Mazzarri is refusing to rule Watford out of the relegation conversation, but insists the club will survive if they replicate their winning performance against Sunderland.

The Hornets ended a four game winless run in the Premier League as Miguel Britos’ first goal for the club handed them a 1-0 win.

Mazzarri’s side now sit 12th in the table and the Watford head coach is confident they will stay clear of danger for the remainder of the season, despite insisting they are not yet safe.

“We are not at all safe. Hull City won and the teams below won so we have to go and think about each game,” Mazzarri said.

“We have to play like we did today. If we play like we did today we will be safe.

“I think we can play against any team and have always been far away from the relegation zone. We have been unlucky with injuries as well.

“If you take everything into consideration, our objective was always to stay in the Premier League.”

Watford’s attacking play was a welcome departure from the insipid display they offered up at Crystal Palace a fortnight ago.

They created a number of chances and could have won by more, but for the intervention of Jordan Pickford as the Black Cats keeper made a number of fine saves.

Mazzarri was understandably pleased with his side’s greater attacking threat, despite wanting Watford to be more clinical in front of goal.

“In my opinion we played very well and had a great game, but didn’t score as much as we should have,” he said.

“When you play so well you have to score more than one goal. If don’t close the game out in the Premier League anything can happen.”

The victory came at a cost as Younes Kaboul was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury before half-time.

With Sebastian Prodl struggling with a knock, Kaboul’s absence adds to Mazzarri’s injury concerns ahead of a week in which Watford play West Brom in midweek before travelling to White Hart Lane on Saturday.

He said: “I am worried for Tuesday because Sebastian Prodl came back from the national team with some problems and Kaboul most probably will not be available.

“It is starting again with the bad luck with the injuries and they are coming back.”