A delighted Nigel Pearson praised 10-man Watford’s desire to prevent Wolverhampton Wanderers from equalising after their 2-1 victory and is pleased his players are finding different ways to win games.

Goals from Gerard Deulofeu and Abdoulaye Doucoure had put the Hornets in control, but Pedro Neto’s strike halved the lead before Christian Kabasele was sent off by VAR Simon Hooper for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Despite having to reshuffle their defensive ranks, Watford dug in and showed determination and character to hold on for the three points and make it 10 from the last possible 12 to continue their upturn in fortunes under Pearson.

The Watford head coach said: “I thought we showed an understanding of the right way to try and win that game. We knew it was going to be a day when we might not see as much of the ball as we liked because we are playing a side that are very accomplishing at playing possession football, with good individuals and a very clear way of playing.

“They are a good team but I always felt that when we did have spells of possession that we looked dangerous. In the first half they didn’t really have too many situations that we were concerned about, but I thought we created some good opportunities. And to go two goals up gives you a bit of breathing space.

“At the end we’re hanging on a little bit but the desire of the players to keep the ball out of the net and put the bodies on the line for the team and for our situation was I think clear for everybody to see.

“That bodes well for us. It doesn’t mean that our season’s saved for sure, we have to show that every week, but if you’ve seen us in the last few weeks we’ve won games in different ways and it’s always important that your team are able to do that.

“At times we’ve played some really good football and won, today it was about showing desire and character as well as ability because let’s not forget we’ve scored two goals, and two good goals.”

Reflecting on the red card, Pearson was philosophical.

He said: “I’ve not seen it yet but the players felt it was harsh because of the type of contact and then the proximity of team-mates to denying a goalscoring opportunity.

"I haven’t seen it and I’ll have to look at it, but VAR is here and I think everybody throughout the season will have had difficult experiences with it and some that have gone their way.

"All I can say is there’s no point in me becoming over emotional on the touchline about stuff like that when things go against you if I’m expecting players to keep their nerve and their calmness on the pitch.

"I think technology is good for the sport but clearly this year there’s going to be a few teething problems and you have to accept that things aren’t always going to go your way unfortunately."