Not only did the head coach change the shape for the visit of Middlesbrough, he also changed the personnel.

Perhaps the most surprising, possibly even harsh, omission was that of Brazilian winger Matheus Martin.

The 20-year-old had been ever present up to that point, and his three goals made him joint top scorer for Watford.

Although he had only played one full 90 minutes during that time, Martins had arguably been the biggest threat Watford had offered and so another problem with the switch to 3-5-2 was that it couldn’t accommodate him.

“Tom Ince and Matheus Martins, yes it was a tactical decision and it was nothing against the players. That is exactly what I said to them after the game,” said Valerien Ismael.

“My job is to take decisions. When it works out that’s fine, when it doesn’t work out I have to take responsibility.

“The first half was my responsibility that it didn’t work out like we expected.

“I think pretty quick after 10 minutes we saw that we didn’t have the control of the ball in the midfield.

“But I know that in that system we can change things, and after half an hour we got better control of the game but the damage was already done with the two goals.

“Then it was all about coming back step by step into the game. We scored one goal and we knew we would get another chance.

“We then used half time to change tactically, and I was pleased with the performance. We started well in the second half, we looked powerful.

“We pinned the opponent into the last third and created chances, but when you come from behind you use a lot of energy to come back into the game.”

Having played six of their nine Championship games at home, Watford now face a long midweek trip to Sunderland before next Saturday heading to Cardiff – both those sides have won four of their last five games.

Meanwhile, Watford have not won an away game since January 2 and during that 12-game sequence that have not kept a clean sheet either.

“Yes, there is big pressure this week and there is nothing wrong with that. All away games are tough,” said the Watford boss.

“It’s always the same in the Championship. Games come quickly and when you win games you have momentum, it feels easier and you enjoy the next game.

“When you didn’t win games then the confidence is not that high and the next game becomes difficult.

“Anyone can beat anyone in the Championship, we know that. It’s another time to focus, get back together, analyse the situation and prepare for the next game.”