Claudio Ranieri praised Joshua King's all round performance after the striker scored a hat-trick to help Watford pick up their first ever away win against Everton.

The former Toffee returned from a knee injury to haunt his former club, scoring three times as the Hornets came from behind twice to win 5-2.

The head coach said the Norwegian's availability allowed his team to better execute his game plan.

"I’m very very happy because last week I didn’t have Joshua King, but today I had Joshua King," said Ranieri.

"He had a fantastic match, not only becasue he scored a hat trick, but he held the ball, kept the ball, won all the duels and was fantastic in every action.

"Of course today my philosophy was very clear. The players worked with me one week together and slowly, slowly I’m sure we will get better together."

After a demoralising 5-0 defeat against Liverpool last weekend, it was imperative Ranieri raised the team's spirits for this weekend.

He said Athletico Madrid also losing at the hands of Liverpool helped to provide some perspective.

"I just spoke with my heart," he said.

"I said it’s okay, it could happen. When Athletico Madrid lost 3-2 against Liverpool, I told my players if Athletico Madrid, who for me are one of the best teams for not conceding goals, if they concede three, it could happen that we concede five.

"After this, they had to fight for every duel, first ball, second ball and so on and I’m very very pleased."

Asked if the win was enough to warrant a dinner for his players, he said that would only come once they kept a clean sheet.

"No dinner," he said.

"Dinner comes with a clean sheet. Dinner at the Watford canteen, everybody."