Xisco Munoz felt Troy Deeney put in a perfect performance in the second half during Watford's win away at Stoke City.

The head coach was pleased with the way his team were able to shrug off a poor first half performance and win the match with two moments of real quality, with the skipper involved in both. 

First Deeney lifted the ball elegantly into the path of Ismaila Sarr in a move that resulted in Watford winning a penalty, which was dispatched emphatically by the captain.

The number nine then played a perfectly weighted pass through to Sarr who finished the move off with an expert strike.

Watford Observer:

"Troy's performance today was perfect. He was excellent," said Munoz. "He had very good team spirit, I love him because he gave everything. But also, everyone who was on the pitch today gave everything for the team. They fought, they had high intensity, I think this is our way, our direction. If we play every time at home and away with this intensity, I think we have a big chance to take the three points every time."

Munoz has been at the club a short time, but has already made sure he has a very good relationship with Deeney, something that seemed to hamper former head coach Vladimir Ivic, whose falling out with the captain could well have played a part in this sacking last month.

The new boss said he knows how important it is for him to have a strong relationship with the team's more experienced players, who he labels "the capitanos".

"With Troy, I have an excellent relationship," he said. "For me I need a very good relationship with the players, and also with the experienced players, with the capitanos, with Troy, with Tom with everyone.

Watford Observer:

"It's important for our team. I'm very happy. I'm very happy with Troy because he gives me every time his best and I'm happy with him today because also he received the man of the match. And it's good for us."