Watford end 2023 sitting 10th in the Championship, four points off the play-offs.

Just before halfway in the 25 games played so far, they were a single point and place above the relegation zone having suffered three consecutive defeats.

They won two of their opening 11 league games, but have won seven and lost only three of the 14 after that.

And this after a summer of huge change at the club, with high player turnover, a new head coach and staff, and two miserable seasons still fresh in the memory.

After the 1-1 draw with Stoke, head coach Valerien Ismael reflected on his Watford journey so far.

“It’s been tough work since day one, but I think after seven months we have made great work,” he said.

“Technically, tactically, mentally, on the pitch, and discipline off the field, was a massive part.

“But I think we have managed it well, and everyone knows the rules and respect the rules, and everyone wants the rules.

“It gives us the feeling we are more ready, and we now know each other better so it’s all about how we can improve on the pitch.

“We need to see which players can help us to the next step.

“The January window is coming – shall we do something? It’s all about how can we take the next step?

“From the first discussion we had with the board about the idea and the project, seven months later we have made massive steps ahead and the foundations are really good.”

The change in mentality, attitude and spirit has been obvious, so much so that a game like the one against Stoke may well have ended in defeat at the start of the season.

“Maybe,” Ismael pondered.

“You need to create an environment of belief and trust, and the performances we have given in some games gave the belief to our fans in our players, and it gave the players the belief in the club.

“It’s an evolution. For sure we maybe should have more points if you pick some games, but I think we are in the right place.

“Every week now we can work with the team just about football. We are now working on the right path and not with all the things off the pitch and the issues we had.”