Watford boss Javi Gracia says he was "proud" of his players after defeat to Manchester City.

Goals from Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez put the Premier League leaders 2-0 and had it not been for the performance of Ben Foster the points could have been completely wrapped up long before Abdoulaye Doucoure gave the hosts late hope by pulling one back.

Gracia said: “We knew today it would be difficult game for us. We needed to work very well in the game if we were to have chances to get a good result.

"They have dominated the game, they have created a lot of chances, but I think we have done good work during all the game and at the end we had some set pieces to try to get a better result.

“I'm very proud of the effort of my players because I know it is very difficult to compete against this team when you are losing and you try press a little bit higher, they find the space and they are really dangerous, but I think my players today deserve the recognition."