Sebastian Prodl hailed a massive three points after Watford claimed a 1-0 win over Everton to bolster their Premier League survival hopes.

Troy Deeney provided a rare moment of quality in an otherwise turgid game as he struck a 79th winner to take Watford up to 10th in the table and six points clear of the drop.

The goal, which was Deeney’s first from open play in the top flight since April, has Watford looking up rather than down, much to the delight of Prodl.

“This result is massive,” he told the club website. “If you look at the table before the game and after the game, it was a pivotal win tonight.

“We won through individual class today: a good goal from Troy and a good assist from [Stefano] Okaka.”

The result saw Watford make it two wins from two at home under Javi Gracia’s stewardship and they were rarely worried by Sam Allardyce’s Toffees.

Prodl helped keep the visitors under control and was understandably pleased with a solid defensive performance.

“We were very strong in defence, we didn’t give them room to create too many chances, so this was the key to our success,” he said.

“We showed our professional face, everyone was committed to this game throughout the 90 minutes and everyone had the same plan.

“We knew they had good individual players, so all you have to do is make just one mistake and they can score.”

While victory was a welcome one, Prodl is aware of the need to build on the result when Watford face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

“We committed to the plan for 90 minutes and that helped us get a clean sheet,” he said.

“Now we have to face the last games with the same attitude, commitment and determination. It was a big win but we shouldn’t rest on that, because I promise next week will be as hard as this 90 minutes.”