Slavisa Jokanovic admitted his Watford side gave Leeds United “many presents” during this afternoon’s clash at Elland Road but said the Hornets' 3-2 victory was reward for his players’ self-belief to fight back from two goals behind. 

The Whites had a two-goal advantage after just 18 minutes. Billy Sharp broke the deadlock thanks a Watford mistake.

A mix-up between Heurelho Gomes and Ikechi Anya resulted in the Hornets goalkeeper having to save his full-back's back pass but the ball dropped kindly for the Whites’ striker and he tapped into an empty net.

The hosts second goal was a sumptuous half volley from Rodolf Austin but the midfielder was given far too much space by the visitors.

However, Troy Deeney’s strike six minutes before the half time interval proved a catalyst for a Hornets fight back.

In the second period, a swift counter attack resulted in Matej Vydra tapping in the equaliser before the Czech Republic striker bundled home what proved to be the winner in the 81st minute.

Reflecting on another eventual Hornets’ game, Jokanovic said: “We started badly but it was important my players believed in themselves. They did and, in the end, we have won another strange game.

“As a team, we can still improve. We are a Championship team and that hasn’t changed. So we can improve.

“We made some mistakes at the beginning of the game and gave them many presents. We started the second half in a similar way and at that moment we must control the situation a little bit better.

“After that situation we started finding the right passes, keeping possession and getting the right connection between our offensive midfielder and the strikers.

“That is what I want from the team. So we must continue to work hard and prepare for what is front of us.

“In front of us is Fulham and that is the most important game for us at this moment.”