Head coach Slaven Bilic hailed a winning performance at Norwich that he was extremely proud of, but admitted the ever-growing list of injuries has left him feeling like he is being secretly filmed for an episode of Candid Camera.

Watford started the game with 10 injured players but picked up three fresh knocks along the way to the 1-0 win which, when you add in suspended Hasane Kamara, means they ended the day with 14 players ruled out.

However, having folded so limply at Swansea just a few days before, the Hornets gave a display that was the antithesis of that depressing night in Wales.

“Considering all the difficulties it was a great performance and a great result,” said Bilic.

MATCH REPORT: Norwich 0 Watford 1

“Sometimes you have to ask your team for more than the maximum and literally today was that. We knew how difficult the situation we are in was, and we couldn’t rely on the same level of quality that we would have in normal situations.

“We demanded more of the players. When you are in the situation we are in, fighting is not enough. You have to somehow give more.

“You have to create that fifth element, and that is what we did today.”

Bilic said he felt he side were worthy winners and despite their problems they did more than enough to claim the points.

“From my point of view, we didn’t nick it,” he said.

“It wasn’t like we had only the one shot. After the first 10 minutes, when they were better, the rest of the game we had the better chances and were passing the ball well.

“It was collectively a really good performance, considering who we were playing against, where some of the players had to play, it was fantastic. I am very proud of the team.

“I told the boys they cannot let it drop. In these circumstances, what they did today has to be standard.

“It feels like more than three points, but then we had to pay for it with more injuries. For a change they are muscular injuries, but that is still connected. Because we didn’t have enough quality, then for example Davis has to run with the ball for 50 or 60 yards with a man on his back. That is not ideal, and you are more likely to get injured – which is what happened. All three today were hamstring injuries.”

Bilic said what Watford are going through at the moment is unlike anything he has experienced in his career – and used that hidden camera analogy.

“When it comes to injuries, we are big time unlucky. Big time. I don’t like to moan, but I have never faced anything even near to this in my career as a player and a manager.

“It is hard to explain what is happening to us with injuries. It feels like we are in a movie. Or that we are on Candid Camera, and soon someone is going to say ‘hey Slav, we got you’.

“What we are experiencing is unique but in a negative way.”

The Watford head coach explained some of the ways that he had to ask some players to do more than he would generally expect of them.

“We had to ask players to keep going today. Kabasele was covering 60 yards today, which you don’t normally do as a centre back. Davis was doing 10 second sprints time after time with a man on his back. That is difficult.

“We do have players who will come back and in some areas we have depth. I will say I thought Kabasele was outstanding today but we have lost him, although we have Troost-Ekong who can come in.

“We have paid the price for that performance today, but I am extremely proud of the team.

“Things will get better. I do anticipate players will be back soon. Put it this way, when we play Blackpool I do not expect the situation to be as bad as today.”