It shows just how effective Edo Kayembe was in Watford’s 3-0 win over Stoke when you consider he had the fewest touches of the ball of any outfield player that completed the full 90 minutes.

The midfielder touched the ball only 46 times, yet scored twice, hit the bar and created five chances for teammates.

The Congo international has been pushed further forward into the No.10 rile and has thrived both in pre-season and since the competitive action has started.

“Tom trusts me to play in this more offensive position and I just do my best,” said the 26-year-old who has now made 73 appearances for the Hornets.

“It feels very good. I’m just so happy to score and help the team.

“The game today was a little bit difficult with the weather, it was a little bit hot, but we made the difference and that was the most important thing.

“I’m just happy to help the team like that.”

Kayembe confirmed that head coach Tom Cleverley had told the players to release the shackles and play without fear after the first-half.

“Tom just said at half-time to have good intensity, control the game more and try to shoot at the goal when we have the chance,” he recalled.

“We keep believing and that’s why we came out with this fighting spirit which made the difference.”

Watford beat Chesterfield at home in the FA Cup third round on January 6 and didn’t win another game at Vicarage Road last season until April 27, when they won 1-0 against Sunderland.

In the last week they have beaten MK Dons on Tuesday and Stoke on Saturday.

“We spoke about the home form between us teammates, to try to improve this,” said Kayembe.

“Last year it was a little bit difficult to win games at home so we spoke between us to try to make the difference and give our best to win the home games, and now we will keep going on this way.”