Javi Gracia: 'Watford are the new Leicester City'

Watford manager Javi Gracia has compared his side to the Leicester City team which claimed a shock Premier League win three seasons ago.

The Hornets have been the surprise package in the Premier League so far this term, joining Liverpool and Chelsea in winning all four of their league games to date, beating title contenders Tottenham Hotspur along the way.

While most bookmakers still consider a Watford title win far from likely, Gracia has suggested that his charges could ape the Foxes' side from the 2015-16 campaign.

"We have started so well in the Premier League that we can be considered the new Leicester," he said after picking up the Premier League Manager of the Month award for August.

"I am not scared of the comparison between Leicester and Watford. I am always going to live with the same naturalness after winning four games in a row and after losing four.

"It is possible to lead the table after four games, although it will be a lot more different after 25. Even if we played in Spain, it would be difficult. We have to enjoy and savour this moment because we have worked for it and earned it.

"I am very excited with the atmosphere we have now within the club, the team and the supporters. It is great. Watford is a team that has finally secured and cemented a place in the Premier League. Before it was going up and down the whole time: now it is here to stay."

Gracia replaced Marco Silva at Vicarage Road in January.