Emmanuel Dennis was proud of Watford's performance against Chelsea, as they were narrowly beaten 2-1 at Vicarage Road.

The Nigerian scored his sixth goal of the season to level the tie after Mason Mount had opened the scoring, only for the Blues to bag a winner in the second half.

The striker said that the performance was an indication of the team's evolution under head coach Claudio Ranieri.

“I’m really proud of the team because we played really well,” Dennis told the club website.

“The result is unfortunate, they were lucky to take the three points. The intensity was good and we’re slowly understanding the way the manager wants us to play. We can see the progress in how we play so I’m really proud of the team, we just need to keep working hard and the results will come."

Dennis said he was enjoying being part of the Watford team this season and feels he is contributing positively.

“I knew if I tried to shoot he was going to open his legs and I was lucky to score in the end," he said of his strike. "I’m happy with the goal but in the end we didn’t get the three points.

“I’m just doing my job, I’m really happy I’m here and I’m enjoying being part of the team. I’m training well and being positive, and I’m really happy.”