Watford boss Xisco Munoz praised “exciting” Joao Pedro after the forward scored one and set two up in the 3-2 win at Blackburn.

The 19-year-old’s ninth goal of the season – a delicate lob – set the Hornets on their way, before his shot was eventually turned home by Ismaila Sarr for Watford’s second.

Harvey Elliott halved the deficit before the break but Joao then played in Ken Sema for Watford’s third, with the visitors holding on after Ben Brereton’s goal late in the second half.

It was Watford’s first win at Ewood Park since September 2000 – a year before Joao was born.

And after Watford’s seventh victory in 10 outings, which left the club level on points with second-placed Brentford, Xisco praised Pedro’s work.

He said: “I think he needs to continue to score. We know Joao Pedro is an exciting player, he’s a brilliant striker, and I know also he scores a lot of goals.

“I repeat, I have a very good squad but I am happy with Joao because right now, he’s working hard and also in defence, because he does very good things for the team in defence and offence.

“The second goal also was excellent. All the players moved the ball well. This is our work, we need to continue. We need to keep improving and try to play better."