Watford progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a routine-looking 3-0 win over Bristol City at Vicarage Road yesterday.

The fact it is less than routine lies in the fact the Hornets had lost six of their last seven, and came into the game having been beaten late on by Premier League basement side Swansea in their last home game.

With that in mind, and the Robins having already beaten Watford on their own patch in the Carabao Cup in August, there was more hope than expectation the Hornets would at least make it past the third round for the third year in succession.

But goals from Andre Carrillo, Troy Deeney and Etienne Capoue sealed their progress, and here’s how they and the rest of the Hornets squad shaped up:

Heurelho Gomes - 6
Had little to do, but had his blushes spared when he failed to deal with a City corner in the first half moments before the referee decided it had gone out of play.

Daryl Janmaat - 7
A game where he rarely had to defend, which helped him. That said, when he was called into action he provided some important blocks, but it was his delivery at the other end of the pitch which was most impessive.

Watford Observer:

Molla Wague - 6
Caught out a couple of times, most memorably by Gustav Engvall towards the end of the game, and had probably his weakest game for Watford. But given his recent performances, that still allows him to have been alright.

Christian Kabasele - 7
A couple of important challenges kept the gloss on the performance with a clean sheet. Engvall was just about to give City a lifeline before his crucial interception with the score at 2-0.

Marvin Zeegelaar - 6.5
Rarely troubled by Opi Edwards but could have had more of an impact going forwards as a result - compared to Janmaat he was quiet. He looked more at home when moved forward to accommodate Jose Holebas, which is telling.

Abdoulaye Doucoure - 7
Shooting wayward on a couple of occasions, and given the amount of headers from corners he won he should have at least tested Luke Steele once. But got Watford looking forward and on the back of a few poor performances he looked much better.

Tom Cleverley - 7.5
Full of energy and looks much better for that rest on Tuesday night. At the heart of much of what the Hornets did well, made their second goal and put in some really good set pieces.

Watford Observer:

Andre Carrillo - 8.5
Can’t stop scoring after last weekend’s header against Swansea, and he could have had more than the one against City too. Linked up terrifically with Roberto Pereyra on a number of occasions.

Etienne Capoue - 7
Was steady, but unspectacular, until his goal put the cherry on the cake for the hosts following some smart build-up with Troy Deeney.

Roberto Pereyra - 7.5
He looks a class above when he fancies it, doesn’t he? Unlucky not to grab a goal when his one-two with Carrillo crashed off the bar. Still doesn’t seem to have the fitness to last, but he’s certainly got the quality.

Troy Deeney - 7.5
Was quiet for half an hour but once he got into the game he looked the sharpest he has all season, linking up with all those around him brilliantly. Got his goal and helped make Capoue’s too.

Watford Observer:

Substitutes

Jose Holebas (for Richarlison, 70) - 6
Solid but like his predecessor, Zeegelaar, had little to worry about in the left-back position.

Richarlison (for Pereyra, 70) - 6.5
Tried to dink Steele with what would’ve finished off a fine team move, and was busy without really making a great deal happen.

Ben Watson (for Doucoure, 81) - N/A