Watford skipper Troy Deeney believes the Hornets are at the top of a mini-league.

The Hornets defeated Sunderland 1-0 on Saturday to climb to seventh in the Premier League and the captain feels they are at the top of a league of those clubs just outside the top.

"We are essentially in our own mini-league and we are effectively top of that now," Deeney said following the win.

"It's hard to keep your feet on the ground because when you're winning you think you can go on and win the next game.

"But the Premier League isn't that easy and if you lose two or three games on the bounce then it's a very long month."