Watford managed to secure a point after a late equaliser for their 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

Salomon Rondon put Rafa Benitez's Newcastle ahead just before the half-hour mark, but they could not hold out for all three points as Abdoulaye Doucoure popped up to make it 1-1 eight minutes from time.

Asked initially about the decision to rest Doucoure, Gracia said: “I have to choose in all the games different players and in this moment playing every three, four days I have to give the chances for all of my players.

“I've many times said all my players deserve the chance to play because they are working very well. We are a good squad, not only a good team and if I don't do it in this moment when can I do it.

“It was the moment to change the players because some of them need rest and today if you see Doucuore this season he is the third player with the most minutes (played)."

Pressed further on if six changes was too many, the Hornets boss responded: “If you see the result you can say that but I don't agree."