Christian Kabasele says Watford’s spirit was key to securing a third straight Premier League win at the expense of Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Goals from Roberto Pereyra and Jose Holebas were enough to ensure Wilfried Zaha’s effort was little more than a consolation for the visitors.

The togetherness among the Watford squad has been clear from the outset this season and Kabasele, while admitting the Hornets rode their luck at times, was full of praise for the character the club has shown.

“We didn’t play so good in the first half but when you see the spirit in the second half, [the same] as last week in Burnley, it was incredible,” Kabasele told the Watford website.

“It is okay when you win and it is difficult – that means we did a really good job.

“I think Palace did well. They created a lot of chances and if we didn’t have Ben [Foster] in goal today maybe we are 2-0 down in the first half, so you need that little bit of luck.”

Watford were perhaps at their most fortunate when scoring their second goal as Holebas’ over-hit cross nestled in the top corner.

Kabasele was quick to rule out any suggestion the Greek full-back had intended to curl home, but praised Holebas’ performances throughout the early parts of a season in which he has impressed.

“Everybody knows it was a cross,” Kabasele said. “Sometimes when you have a very good left foot, you don’t have a right foot. Today it was a good goal and he has helped us a lot this season.

“Against Brighton he was amazing, last week as well, and today he scored so he did a good job. He is 34 and when you see how fit he is it is good for the team.”