Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet has admitted that the timing of Watford's second goal so soon after his side's equaliser was the defining moment in the match.

However Poyet, who saw his side go down 3-1 at home to Gianfranco Zola's men, did admit that the better team won.

"At that time I am sure Watford would feel the impact of our equaliser and maybe the game would change in our favour," Poyet told The Argus.

"We needed to stay in the game at least ten minutes. So quick, a deflected goal. Goals change games. After that we didn't know how to open them up.

"They were good on counterattacks so at the end I think they deserved this win."

The defeat leaves Brighton 10th in the Championship.