Head coach Valerien Ismael felt the decision by referee Dean Whitestone to reverse his decision to give Sheffield Wednesday a hotly-disputed penalty was a sign it would be his side’s day.

When the official pointed to the spot in the 54th minute after Jamal Lewis had challenged Anthony Musaba just short of the by-line at the Vicarage Road End, most people with a good view were baffled by the decision.

It seemed clear Lewis had won the ball, and his teammates remonstrated with Mr Whitestone and his assistant.

There were moments of chaos before the assistant seemed to get a message to the referee, who then signalled for a corner instead.

“With the referee’s decision, maybe we were lucky but it was never a penalty,” said Ismael.

“So credit to the referee because I have worked in the Championship for many years and I have never seen – or very rarely – a referee overturn his decision due to the comments from his linesman.

“It was just some sign to say we could have that belief that maybe things are going in our direction now.

“When I saw that decision I was clear. I said to the guys ‘now it’s our time’.

“Our players said straight away that Lewis had touched the ball and not the player. Even on my side where I was I saw he played the ball first.

“I was a little bit disturbed about the initial decision but the linesman straight away gave a signal, and so I say credit to the referee.

“It’s made my peace with the referee to see something good, I promise I will be more calm with the referee in the future,” said the head coach, with a chuckle.

Ismael used his bench to get a grip on the game in the second half, and having almost 100% of his players available was something he had highlighted in his Friday press conference.

“When, as a manager, you have got the possibilities on the bench that we have to influence the game, then it gives you confidence. You are more calm,” he said.

“Regardless of what is happening in front of you, I know I have options on the bench.

“I knew today it would be the bench that will win the game. I spoke before the game to the guys and said we would have to be patient in the game.

“If you score early, great – but I was more prepared for that sort of game today.”

The Watford boss had talked to the Watford Observer last week about how the change in approach at the club had meant everyone in the squad can step up – and there is no place to hide.

That was a point he echoed after the win over Sheffield Wednesday.

“Over the years Watford became a club where a couple of players made the difference,” he said.

“Now we have changed that completely. The club made a decision to count on young players with big potential: Kone, Martins, Asprilla, Rajovic.

“And the spotlight is now on all the players and there is no hiding anymore.

“We need to develop these players too. At some point they need a lot of love, sometimes they need a kick up the backside.

“We just need to find the right balance.

“At the minute they need a lot of love and to be given a lot of confidence. I’ve spoken with them in the difficult situations but we believe in them.

“When they have belief and they know they have that trust, then they are best able to pay back.”