Javi Gracia admitted Watford didn’t show enough of the qualities that were at the foundation of Monday’s 4-1 triumph over Premier League champions Chelsea and felt West Ham United showed more aggression in the Hornets’ 2-0 defeat.

Watford disappointed in the first half at London Stadium and trailed at the break through a Javier Hernandez header from a Michail Antonio cross.

The visitors did enjoy more possession and territory after the break, but despite changing formation they were unable to create a chance of note and their fate was sealed by Marko Arnautovic after a sequence of defensive mistakes.

“It wasn’t our best performance,” Gracia said. “I think West Ham were more aggressive than us and they dominated the areas. We tried in the second half but it wasn’t possible.

“The last match against Chelsea showed us how we can get points. Running, fighting and today we didn’t do it enough. I think we can do better and I’m confident next time will be better.”

“We had more possession in the second half but we didn’t create clear chances. We tried to change the shape of the team playing with 3-4-2-1, playing with 4-2-3-1, playing with 4-4-2 but we didn’t create clear chances. We had half chances to score but not clear.”

Marvin Zeegelaar was marking Hernandez in the build-up to the opening goal, but complained he was fouled as the cross came over, leaving the Mexican with a free header.

Gracia said: “I’d like to see the first goal again. I didn’t have a good view from the bench and I only saw Zeegelaar fell down. But it’s not an excuse. I think West Ham were better and deserved a good result.”