Yohan Cabaye’s finish from the penalty spot sealed the victory for the club to move into sixth place and left Alan Pardew delighted with the afternoon’s work.

"Sometimes as a manager you want a performance that lifts you, the back four were terrific and we didn't give Watford too much daylight. Down the sides our wide players caused trouble and we got ourselves a great win in a tight game.”

Having lost their last two matches Alan was pleased with the response from his squad this week.

"We've lost two tight games, so a win makes up for the games where the margins cost us. I thought Wilfried Zaha did very well against Charlton in midweek, and then today fresh coming off the bench he caused a problem because he's got that determination to prove me wrong – and I like that.”

In a game that always looked likely to be decided by a narrow margin Alan was pleased to see a fine margin go his way on this occasion.

"I just think we carried a little more threat, we had a key moment and I'm not sure they did today. In the second half Dwight Gayle should have scored. It wasn't a classic but it was a good game for me and my staff."

to watch the post-match press conference and all the reaction from our interviews at Vicarage Road.CLICK HERE