Javi Gracia describes Watford homecoming as ‘magic night’ after comeback win

Javi Gracia described his Watford homecoming as a “magic night” after the Hornets came from behind to edge a 2-1 Championship victory at home to West Bromwich Albion.

Isaac Price’s fine strike put Albion ahead but Imran Louza cancelled that out with a goal of his own to set the stage for Rocco Vata to complete the comeback after the break.

Gracia, whose first stint as Watford manager ended in September 2019, was rehired last week to replace Paulo Pezzolano, who had been sacked after just 10 games in charge.

This was the first home game of Gracia’s second spell and the Spaniard – given a warm welcome by the fans beforehand – was delighted to send them home happy.

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Magic night

“I had unforgettable moments when I was here before and it was a magic night for me again – something I will never forget,” he said.

“To come back and be able to come away with a good result is unforgettable.

“It was special because I knew the club and the people at the training ground and that helped me to take the decision – knowing I would be happy at this club.

“I’m really pleased for the final result and for the way we did it because the team showed the real experience we needed to win the game.

“We were losing but we were able to come back and not only that we continuing to try to score the third one.

“Of course, at the end, we had to defend the result but that’s the spirit I’m looking for.”

Impressive

Price opened the scoring in the 34th minute, firing the ball beyond home goalkeeper Egil Selvik from 20 yards out.

Louza celebrated an equally-impressive leveller four minutes later, curling a shot beyond Albion goalkeeper Josh Griffiths with his left foot from a similar distance.

Vata won it in the 58th minute when Nat Phillips got the ball stuck under his feet and could only poke the ball to the Republic of Ireland international, who fired through a cluster of bodies from 14 yards.

Albion would have gone up to third had they won but ended the day in 10th spot, two points and two places above the Hornets.

Disappointed

“I’m disappointed with the result first and foremost and secondly with the performance,” said head coach Ryan Mason.

“It was really important to get through to half-time at 1-0, but we weren’t able to do that, and in the second half, they had their best spell, and we weren’t able to get through that.

“We need to be better at managing those moments in the game because teams have spells and can create momentum. I was disappointed to concede in that moment.

“It was relatively soft, it was difficult to accept and we need to learn from it. But the players gave everything, which is important for me to see and feel.”

READ MORE: Watford clinch narrow Championship comeback victory over West Brom