Training on corners on Friday paid off 24 hours later, as Moussa Sissoko headed home Imran Louza’s set-piece to win the game at Middlesbrough. Goals from corners at any time have been rare for the Hornets, much alone match-winning goals, and Sissoko stated after the game that they had spent part of the day going over routines. “We have been working a lot on set pieces, even yesterday we were working on it,” according to him. “We know we can do them well, but we need to improve on our previous performance.
Coming so soon after being held to a late equaliser at Sunderland, Watford’s 1-0 victory delivered a great boost. “It was a massive win,” Sissoko added. “After our two performances tonight and against Sunderland, we deserved more than the four points we received. “We knew we were going to face a squad that had been struggling just like us, and I believe we demonstrated some character both on and off the pitch. “We controlled the game from the start, and I believe we deserved the three points today. “We are all pleased with it, and let us hope that this is the start of something positive for the rest of the season.”It is a significant lift given that there are only a few games remaining in the season. “We have a goal to meet at the conclusion of the season, and as I mentioned, there aren’t many games remaining. “So this result can give us a big boost for those games we still have to play.” Sissoko did not return for the second half of the game at the Riverside. “I felt my hamstring a bit so it was better to give my place to someone who was fully fit,” he told me. “Over the next 48 hours we will see how it goes, but I am confident for next week.”

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