Watford coach Javi Gracia has explained why he set up his team in a 4-3-3 formation in their 2-1 loss to Manchester City on Tuesday evening, with Isaac Success, Troy Deeney and Roberto Pereyra named in attack.

The Spanish tactician was forced to shake up the starting line-up because French midfielder étienne Capoue was not available for selection after he was shown a red card for a challenge on Kelechi Iheanacho in the penultimate round of matches in the Premier League.

''We tried to find the best option with Capoue out,'' said Gracia to Watford's official website.

''It was the best option to try and be strong and compact in the middle, with three players there, with Troy, Roberto and Isaac ready to counter-attack when we recover the ball.''

Success was culpable for the second goal conceded by the Hornets five minutes into the second half when he lost possession in the corner and City eventually scored through Riyad Mahrez.

The Nigeria international was replaced by Andre Gray with 15 minutes remaining.

Igho Kingsley