Xisco Munoz was pleased with his Watford side's second half turn around as they shook off a poor first half display to beat Stoke City 2-1.

The Hornets struggled to create during a passive opening 45 minutes, but second half strikes from Troy Deeney and Ismaila Sarr were enough to claim all three points, despite Steven Fletcher's late consolation.

The win sees Watford pick up three wins in a row for the first time this season and the head coach felt that the second half in particular showed that they are heading in the right direction.

"The most important is the three points," said Munoz. "Today, we know we had in front of us a very good team and they have a very good things, but in the second half we got better.

"It was a good performance, and I'm very happy with the players because today they gave everything."

The Spaniard also singled out Tom Cleverley and Will Hughes for praise, with the pair taking it in turns to push out of the centre of midfield into a wider position, to make up for the absence of Ken Sema, who was rested for the match.

"I'm happy with Tom and also with Will," he said. "They gave a good performance, and they played very strongly today with high intensity and they gave good things for our team.

 

"Of course I'm happy with everyone because in the second half, I think we were better. And also I can say, the second goal was amazing. This is our way, this is our style and I think the team is in a good direction."