Roberto Pereyra gave his boss reason to be cheerful as the Hornets kicked off the new domestic campaign with a win.
Javi Gracia challenged his Watford players to build on a promising start after they opened the new Premier League season with a thoroughly deserved 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Roberto Pereyra scored both goals for the hosts at Vicarage Road on Saturday, including a stunning volley that opened the scoring 10 minutes before the half-time interval.
The former Juventus midfielder curled home a second after the break as Watford ran out comfortable winners against a Brighton side that failed to muster an attempt on target.