Daniel Bachmann urged his teammates to build on a run of successive wins for the first time this season, following Watford’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in the Sky Bet Championship.
João Pedro’s headed winner three minutes from time earned three crucial points at the DW Stadium, as the Hornets successfully backed up last weekend’s thumping 4-0 triumph over rivals Luton Town.
A different sort of test in the north-west saw Watford grow into the contest following a tentative start, and Bachmann explained that his side should have broken the deadlock on more than one occasion ahead of the goal that ultimately proved the difference between the sides.
And, while pointing to the impact of the substitutes - with João Pedro’s strike coming off the back of a mazy Samuel Kalu run and then a teasing Yáser Asprilla cross - the Austria international insisted he and the rest of squad are aware of the importance of putting together a run of consistent displays, ahead of the midweek trip to Cardiff City (Wednesday November 2, 7.45pm KO).
“I thought we played really well, and deserved the win,” said Bachmann, 28. “In the first half there were some really good combinations, and Isma [Ismaïla Sarr] had a particularly good chance that their goalie did well to keep out.
“We know that in this league we’re always going to have moments to defend, but I thought overall we stayed patient and controlled the game. Last week was great, but we know we’re not going to win every match 4-0, and these are the sorts of results that get you promoted.
“We know we need to keep this momentum up and pick up as many points to leave us in a strong position before the World Cup. That’s the challenge, and we’re all excited to try and keep this good little run going.
“I think we saw how important the squad is as a whole today. The players that came on are the ones who won us the game in some respects - with that great run by Samuel and then Yáser getting the assist - so we know we have many weapons at our disposal that should only get better as our injuries improve.”
With 17 games of the 46-game season completed, Bachmann reiterated the importance of the strong team ethos within the camp, while also referencing the significance of the relationship between the players and the fans so far in 2022/23.
Indeed, the final word was reserved for the vociferous Watford fans in Wigan, with Bachmann expressing his delight at being able to help reward their brilliant backing with the right result.
He added: “We’re a good, tight-knit group, and we know everyone has a part to play in a 46-game season. We know we’ve had trouble with injuries, but getting back-to-back wins and clean sheets is important, and we have to back that up now.
“The fans have been incredible this season, and they were again today. We know how far they have to travel, and we all appreciate it massively. They played a huge part in helping us get promoted the last time we were in the Championship, and hopefully we can keep them smiling in the coming weeks to deliver the same result come May.”
