JOBI McAnuff was left rueing missed chances, injuries and former colleagues coming back to haunt the Hornets, as he explained away the slender defeat at the hands of Derby County this afternoon.
Speaking after the final whistle, McAnuff, who was recalled to the starting XI at the expense of illness victim Mat Sadler, told the story of a despondent dressing room following Pride Park loss.
"We've been doing well so it's a bit of a knock," said the Watford wide-player.
"Obviously after the last few performances we've done well and picked up some points - this was a good opportunity to carry on and we're obviously disappointed that we haven't got anything from the game.
"It was probably too open in the first half and we didn't really stamp our game on it.
"They had a few chances and we had a few chances and I suppose in the second half they probably got on top.
"We've just got to take in it on the chin and kick-on over Christmas really. We've got to get our heads right for when we get back in on Monday and start again."
McAnuff was a key figure in the first half and was a focal point for much of Watford's forward play, and at least three of his efforts could, and perhaps should, have gone in.
Speaking about his chances, the former West Ham winger said: "The 'keeper got down well to be fair and Tamas got in the way of one that was going places.
"I definitely should have done better and I was disappointed not to score myself this afternoon."
The side were hampered by two key injuries to the rejuvenated Tamas Priskin and key defensive player Adrian Mariappa - hopefully neither are long term concerns and McAnuff was philosophical about the short term effects of the knocks.
"You normally get a few fallers over Christmas and it's a matter of what you can get out on the pitch," he said.
"I'm sure by Monday a few of the boys will feel a bit better and we can patch them up and get them out there."
It was a reunion on the pitch for two former 'Orns today, as both Jordan Stewart and Nathan Ellington were reacquainted with McAnuff and Co. All the more disappointing then for Jobi to be on the losing side against the pair, as readily he agreed afterwards.
"Yeah, particularly when one's so lively - Jordan Stewart! To be fair, he played really well and I thought Nathan did as well so fair play to them.
"They are great, great lads and I am pleased they are doing well - I just would have rather it wasn't today."
Next up for Watford it's a Boxing Day visit from Bristol City, a side struggling themselves in the depths of this winter period.
"We've been doing pretty well of late at home and it's a game we'll be looking to win to set us up for the busy Christmas period," he said.
"It will be a tough game and we did pretty well when we went down there - we'll be looking forward to it."
