Watford boss Javi Gracia grateful for 'unusual' fan support after Everton win
Saturday 9 February 2019 21:05, UK
Javi Gracia admitted he was surprised by the reaction from the home fans, who chanted his name after Watford beat Everton 1-0 on Saturday.
The Hornets boss has now taken charge of 40 Premier League games, more than any other manager of the club in the competition, and Andre Gray's strike was enough to secure a valuable three points over his predecessor.
Watford are now four points clear of Everton in eighth place in the Premier League and the home supporters were happy to rub salt into the wounds for the Toffees, who are in the middle of a dreadful run under Marco Silva.
After hearing his name chanted at the expense of the Portuguese, Gracia said with a smile: "That is not usual.
"I am very grateful, but for me the most important thing is to see that people around me are happy.
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"I am really happy to get the three points, and after seeing our supporters enjoy the game, it is something that is amazing for us."
Asked if he had any sympathy for Silva, the Spaniard added: "I don't know him very well. In all the games, I want to win."
Watford have won their last three home Premier League games against Everton - the first time they have won three in a row against an opponent at Vicarage Road in the competition.
Gray's opener ended a run of 10 Premier League appearances without a goal for the striker, his longest goal drought in the competition, and Gracia heaped praise on the player after introducing him at half-time in place of Ken Sema.
"Andre is always ready to help the team and he showed that today," he added. "It's very good for the team, without some important players, the team keeps going and keeps winning.
"At half-time, we decided to change the shape and try to go more direct with the second balls and I think it was better for the team.
"We've played at home only twice in the last eight games, so it's very important to get the win today. We were focused on the game during the entire week, and today was no different."
