Mark Hughes hails Stoke win at Watford as they close in on Europa League

Mark Hughes was delighted with Stoke's reaction to last weekend's defeat to Southampton as they beat Watford 2-1 at Vicarage Road to help their quest for a European finish in the Premier League.

Jonathan Walters broke the deadlock and then teed up Joselu to add a sublime second early in the second half before captain Troy Deeney replied in the latter stages for Watford.

Hughes' Stoke climb two places to seventh, a point below sixth-place Manchester United, who currently occupy what stands to be a Europa League qualifying berth at the end of the season.

"It was a big one," Hughes told Sky Sports. 

"After last weekend's disappointing defeat at home we wanted to bounce back and I thought our form certainly in the first half was excellent. We were good value for a 1-0.

"We came out in the second half and got the second and then as you would expect Watford to throw balls into our box. We had to deal with the diagonal balls as well as the two lads up front.

"It got a bit frenetic but in the end we got the job done. I think that's seven away wins we've got in the league this season which is the most we've ever had as a club."

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Hughes was quick to praise German-born Spaniard Joselu who doubled the lead with a deft piece of skill.

"He hasn't had too many opportunities," Hughes said. "I spoke to him in the middle of the week about giving him an opportunity today and I thought he took it.

"I thought he was exceptional. He worked hard all day long and also worked hard for the team. He showed great awareness and deservedly got his goal.

"We test ourselves and want to keep on driving to see how far we can go.

"We've got a good group of players. We've invested well I feel and have great support from the owners. We're in decent shape and want to continue that in the future."

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