Aidy Boothroyd was quick to acknowledge that Watford need to improve defensively following this afternoon’s 3-2 defeat against Wolves at Vicarage Road.

“I’ve got mixed emotions really,” said the Hornets boss. “I’m pleased with lots of aspects of our play, pleased that we dominated a very good team for long periods who are at the top of the league, and obviously thoroughly annoyed at the way that we conceded the three goals.

“I would love to have a frugal team but at the moment we are giving presents away. It’s alright being entertaining and scoring goals, which is lovely and what we all want to see, but at the same time I think we all know that keeping clean sheets is what wins things and what wins championships and at the minute we’re absolutely miles away from anything like that.”