Quique Sanchez Flores wants reaction after 'soft' Watford performance

Quique Sanchez Flores says his Watford side must learn after they looked "a little bit soft" in their 4-0 defeat by Arsenal on Saturday.

The Hornets rarely threatened on their return to the Emirates, three weeks after their FA Cup quarter-final victory, as goals from Alexis Sanchez and Alex Iwobi put Arsenal in control before Hector Bellerin and Theo Walcott added the gloss.

The defeat continues Watford's poor form in 2016 - only Crystal Palace have won fewer Premier League points since the turn of the year - but Flores urged his side to produce a reaction.

"It is the first time we concede four goals and we are not happy with that," Flores said. "It was difficult because we conceded the first goal after four minutes, and they played very well. They were quick with high pressing and it was difficult to stop this team, but we need to learn.

"We need to learn because we are not happy with the performance. The players and the staff are not happy because we looked a little bit light and a little bit soft and this is not our style."

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Watford remain 10 points above the relegation zone despite the result, and Flores admitted he is concerned his side think they are already safe.

"We are fighting against these kind of thoughts," he added. "We are at 37 points and at this moment it's a very dangerous time because it's possible to confuse whether we are safe and not safe.

"We need to finish the season in the best way possible. The players deserve to finish in the most amazing way, because they have worked very hard. 

The Hornets manager substituted Etienne Capoue on 38 minutes, shortly after Arsenal's second goal, before also replacing top scorer Odion Ighalo at half-time, but after the game Flores played down the timing of the substitutions.

"When I am not happy with a performance or think I have to change it tactically, it doesn't matter what minute it is," he continued. "Five minutes or 39 or 88, it's the same.

"But I can't get angry with the team because I'm part of the team. I'm angry with myself but we have to always be positive.

"I'm very happy with the performance of the players over the season, and maybe we are confusing our targets, but overall I'm happy and supporting them more than ever because now is when they need a big supporter."