Javi Gracia admitted the dynamic needs to change quickly as he was left to contemplate shortcomings at both end of the pitch following Watford's 3-1 defeat to West Ham United.

The Hornets have now lost their last seven games in all competitions dating back to last season after the Hammers capitalised on poor defending to take the three points through Sebastien Haller’s second-half brace.

The home side had earlier come from behind after Andre Gray’s goal had cancelled out Mark Noble’s early penalty, but were made to rue nor taking their chances, most notably when Will Hughes contrived to miss from a yard after the break.

Gracia said: “We’ve lost 1-3. That’s the final result. It’s true there were some moments in the game where we dominated, we created chances, but if you don’t score, if after 23 shots you only put three shots on target you have to be more clinical in the moments you dominate the game.

“In the second half you have to say West Ham played better, but even in that half we had one clear chance with Will where it’s impossible to miss.

“If we are critics with ourselves or demanding with ourselves we have to know we can’t concede seven goals in three games.

“We have to recover the balance with defending and attacking and when we have the chance we have to be more clinical, but in this moment we get punished for every mistake we make. But we need to change the momentum and try to change with a good game and with a good result.”

The head coach’s position is increasingly coming under scrutiny following the poor run. Asked if he thought he would be given time to turn it around, Gracia responded: “I’m preparing for the next game and if when we win or lose I’m focused on the next game.

“I don’t think about the time. We have three days to prepare for Coventry in this case and one week to prepare for Newcastle and these two games in two different competitions are really important for us.”

However, Gracia accepts the corner needs to be turned quickly after seven straight defeats.

He said: “It’s true. What can I say, it’s true. If you want we can analyse the way we lose the [FA Cup] final or the different moments, but it’s true. The dynamic is not good and we need to improve. I know it. “