The Sky Blues good run of league form ended abruptly at Vicarage Road as an excellent Watford side turned on the style in the second-half to continue their pursuit of Sheffield United at the top of the Championship.
City were well in the game until Ashley Young’s opening goal after half-an-hour but seemed to be feeling the effects of the midweek game with Middlesbrough as they lost concentration at key moments after the break.
Marlon King, Darius Henderson and Jay DeMerit scored the other goals.
The result is a reality check for City’s chances of making the play-offs but they remain 12 points clear of the relegation zone and a continuation of their good home form against Sheffield Wednesday in midweek is what’s needed to ensure the season does not die away.
Comments: Micky Adams
‘They put us to the sword in the second half.
‘We are disappointed to concede goals from set pieces but we, as a football club, have got to be playing at full tilt and if we don’t we’re in trouble.
‘We have also got two of our better players out and without them also it is a difficult job and it was always going to be a difficult job coming here.’
Comments: Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd
‘I have stressed to everybody we have got so many games to go. We have to learn from this one, put it to bed, and focus on the next one.
‘I won’t let anyone get excited. We have done okay here and we are getting better at a good time.
‘If we can keep free of injuries and suspension and we remain disciplined we will keep getting better.’