Watford boss Walter Mazzarri suggested his players eased off after reaching 40 Premier League points for the season.

The Hornets posted the milestone with a victory over Swansea in mid-April, since when they have lost successive matches to Hull and Liverpool.

Mazzarri said: "This summer many of my colleagues, aside from the top six teams, they were talking about 40 points.

"It's the magic mark and reach them as soon as possible. Myself and the team reached 40 with six games left in the Premier League season.

"We went to Hull and since I am not only the manager, but also our number one fan, I don't want to think that some of the players subconsciously relaxed.

"Once we reached 40 points. I wanted to give them a day off immediately after Hull. I gave them two days off, and I made them work very hard after that defeat.

"I'm happy that I got the right answer. Against Liverpool we played well and happy with how we did.

"The game we played here last week there was no big difference between the sides. It was decided by one episode. I'm happy because my team gave everything and I'll do it again."