Head coach Valerien Ismael felt his side shouldn’t have lost to Blackburn, but also admitted they need to adapt when opponents change their style of play.

Watford bossed the possession and had 24 attempts on goal, but that counts for very little other than impressive statistics when you lose 1-0 at home.

“It’s a tough one today because I think we dominated the game,” said Ismael.

“The first half we didn’t get the press right and that’s the reason Blackburn came through in some situations. We changed it in the second half and it was much better.

“We were winning the ball high, we forced mistakes, we kept the pressure on the opponents, we pinned them in their own half.

“After that it’s all about having that patience against a low block, and to come around it with crosses or through it with passes – don’t try and force too much or be impatient.”

Ismael said he expected Blackburn to play more on the front foot and, while somewhat flattered they changed their approach, conceded Watford have to do more when the opposition alter their style.

“It was a learning affect for us today to see that in our fourth game the opponents changed straight away they way they played against us,” he said.

“Normally Blackburn is more a team to attack and press, today they changed completely.

“It was the same last week which means we are doing some good work if opponents come with respect, so we need to adapt each time.”

Having not scored now for more than five hours in the league, Ismael said his side badly need the boost of getting ahead in a game.

“I think today we missed that early goal, that opener to have the confidence and relief we need,” he admitted.

“We hit the crossbar, we hit the post, there were some dangerous situations around the penalty area.

“In my opinion we should have had a penalty as well.”

Last week the Watford boss was clearly unhappy after the game but today, despite the result, he was more upbeat.

“Actually we tried to do the right things so my feelings are different to last week. I think the guys tried to do everything.

“As long as we’ve got that feeling that we are on the right way then you have to stay calm and keep working hard.”