Flores: We’re riding high in seventh, but it’s not time to relax

Quique Flores says the fighting spirit displayed by Watford in securing a 1-0 win at Sunderland showed another string to the impressive Hornets’ bow.

Watford struck early through Odion Ighalo’s 10th goal of the season, but Flores’ troops had to show resilience in withstanding a late Sunderland onslaught, with goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is especially fine form.

“We started really well and for the first 25 minutes we did well with the ball and created several chances,” he told reporters.

“Towards the end we had to defend well and we showed everyone that we can fight too.

“It was very satisfying to see – everyone has talked a lot about the strikers but what we do when we don’t have the ball is important too.”

The result sees Watford climb to seventh position in the Premier League with 25 points, but Flores has warned his players to not get ahead of themselves, maintaining survival remains the primary target this season.

“That’s the most important thing. We don’t want to hear about ‘relax’. I like the players to enjoy their day off and everything, but for us the most important thing is after two days to focus again, work hard every week and prepare for the next opponent.

“We are really pleased with performance of the players. We are completely focussed on the target and the level of confidence is very high. They are always thinking about how we can improve.

“My expectation before every single match is very high, but always the players come and to improve always.”