A changed team, a number of younger players and an approach from Plymouth which surprised Watford somewhat – and yet the Hornets still managed to progress to the third round of the Carabao Cup in relative comfort.

And that, according to head coach Tom Cleverley, was down to the players out on the pitch being able to find solutions.

“The lads sort of worked the puzzle out for themselves,” he said after the 2-0 victory.

“I was proud of the players because I thought Plymouth caused us some tactical problems in the first half, but they rarely got a sight of our goal.

“There were times in the first half where we had to figure out what Plymouth were doing, and credit to their staff for that.

“But I thought we dominated the game for large parts and we certainly had the best chances, and possibly could have scored more.

“We did a good job of restricting them by keeping them at arm’s length. They got in some dangerous positions in the first half without having the final product.

“The game is all about what you do in both boxes and I thought we were much more dangerous, and I was thoroughly pleased that we got a clean sheet.”

Where Watford did win the battle was by snaffling up second balls, picking up possession when it ran loose and generally being quicker to seize an opportunity to take control of the game.

“That goes back to doing those basics really well, and that is something that I will keep demanding from my team,” said Cleverley.

“Second balls are one of those things you have to anticipate, and you have to be fit and then you need an element of luck.

“I think we’ve got all three of those at the minute.”

However, luck ran out with the early departure of Imran Louza with injury, which means Watford’s requirements before the transfer window closes on Friday are now greater.

“There will certainly be one more to come in, possibly even two now Louza’s assessment doesn’t look great,” Cleverley admitted.