Watford manager Javi Gracia is talking up his opposite number at Arsenal.

The Hornets boss was full of praise for Arsenal manager Unai Emery, as the two sides prepare to meet tonight.

Gracia has hailed Emery as a friend who is one of the best at his job.

"We have a good relationship from that moment we played together in Real Sociedad many many years ago," Gracia said to reporters.

"In different teams we've played against each other and as managers as well, and always we have a good relationship.

"Now in this moment, we've been having dinner together and he's a good friend and it's good to see him again, we are very close.

"We spent in the past some time together and I think we had the same experiences and maybe that experience helped us for this moment, but I think we have different roles as both players and as a coach.

"In my opinion Unai is one of the best coaches in the world not only in England."