Ben Foster says a willingness to take on Javi Gracia’s methods has allowed Watford to make a flying start to the campaign.

A 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace saw the Hornets make it three wins from three Premier League games this season.

The Vicarage Road club’s early season showings have been informed by a high pressing game which Foster says has been the central focus of Gracia’s approach.

“He (Gracia) is a really good guy and the lads have really bought into his ideas. He is really calm and is not ranting and raving. The lads really appreciate that,” Foster said.

“It is a different way of playing to what Watford have done before and the manager is very big on pressing higher up the pitch. I think it suits us and we have the players to do it.

“I think we are blessed to have the players to play the way he wants. We have a lot of gifted players.”

Watford had to work hard for their win against Palace as second half goals from Roberto Pereyra and Jose Holebas put them in control before Wilfried Zaha hit back.

The Hornets could easily have been facing a deficit at the break had it not been for Foster’s intervention in goal.

The summer arrival first reacted superbly to deny Christian Benteke’s close range header and then prevented James McArthur netting when through on goal.

Foster accepted that the result could easily have gone against the home side had Palace taken their chances, but contests that Premier League games are always decided on fine margins.

“I think I got lucky with the first save and it was straight at me. The second one I have spread myself and it has hit me,” the 35-year-old said.

“Those are the sort of moments where if you can suck the pressure up and get through it, it sometimes gives you an extra boost and you can crack on from there. I think we did that.”

Watford’s work is by no means done and, with 35 games left to play this season, survival remains the initial target at Vicarage Road.

Tests against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United await in Watford’s next two league outings and Foster admits those encounters will be bigger challenges.

However, the former West Bromwich Albion keeper believes Watford’s current standing is more than the club could have asked for ahead of the campaign getting underway.

“It is a great start and fair play to the lads,” Foster said. “These were three games that we targeted three wins from and these wins are massive for us.

“Beating the teams that we have so far is our bread and butter and it stops them getting points and helps us pull away from them.

“We would have been snapping hands off if we’d been offered this start but the teams we have beaten are the ones we need to beat. If we can beat one of the big boys then it will be a bonus.”