Xisco Muñoz showed off the depth of his squad this afternoon as the Hornets made it five wins in a row for the first time this season with a 3-0 defeat of Birmingham City.
Isaac Success and Dan Gosling replaced the injured Ismaïla Sarr and Philip Zinckernagel and were involved in the first and second goals respectively. Jeremy Ngakia and Andre Gray then came off the bench and combined for the No.18 to score within 38 seconds of their introductions.
“I don’t only say this today, I say this always: I have 24 players and it doesn’t matter who plays,” said the Head Coach.
“Today Isaac came back and he gave a big force for the team, because it’s the first time he’s played in a long time. Then we played Gray and he’s come on and scored another goal.
“It’s very good when you feel the players are all 100 per cent focused for our challenge. It’s very good for me, for the club, for all the staff. It’s amazing when you work every day in the training ground and you see everyone trying to give 100 per cent for their team.”
To the man, Watford showed their commitment to the cause by putting their bodies on the line against a Blues side that offered more than the scoreline suggested. Nathaniel Chalobah and Adam Masina made two particularly impressive blocks at 1-0 to prevent an equaliser.
“Our fans enjoy our players, because everyone gives 100 per cent for the shirt,” said Muñoz.
“It’s important in all the situations, everyone gives their best in attack and their best in defence. This is the balance, it’s important. We’ve taken one clean sheet more. This ambition of the players is amazing, because they always give different things and grow to achieve our objective.
“I am very lucky because my players give everything for the squad. I’m happy with everyone, because it’s five wins in a row and for us, this is the first time we’ve done this in the Championship this season. It was an amazing challenge for us. We can celebrate today, but we have a big job until the final with eight important games.”
The Hornets now go into the international break off the back of nine wins in 10 games. Muñoz knows the team want to keep this run going, but that some respite will help his players recover ahead of the home straight.
“You know the Championship is very hard,” said the Spaniard, who has overseen 13 wins in 18 games since taking charge in December.
“We have a little more time now to work, because it’s important to not forget we’re still building different ideas. There are good and bad things about having a break now, but I think the players can have a little rest, which is deserved because they always give their best to pick up the points.
“It doesn’t matter what happens with other teams, we know every day we can give better performances ourselves. Our players give a good level, but we can move on and continue with the same ambition and the same passion.”
