"It was important to come back with a win and to again feel the confidence," he said.

"In that moment, I didn't feel that we needed to win because the performances of the team have been good, and all of us knew that in one game we would win again.

"But it was a good result for the confidence of the players and the confidence of the supporters.

"Now, we are going to play five matches in 15 days, and we know that it is important to keep our level, play our way, and I am sure at the end of the season we will achieve our objective."

Gracia will continue to be without Andre Gray, Will Hughes, Adalberto Penaranda and Sebastian Prodl, all sidelined through injury, but Etienne Capoue is available against after suspension.

The Hornets are level on points with a West Ham side that has won four consecutive Premier League matches.

But Gracia added: "I don't look at the teams that are close to us because I prefer to keep our way, compete at our best level and at the end of the season I will look at the table.

"The best mentality we can have is to be focused on the next game knowing that the three points are important for us, and I am sure in the future we will be in a good position."

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