Freedman praise for Palace

The Eagles had failed to win their previous six Championship matches but put in an assured performance at Selhurst Park.

Chris Martin's brace along with efforts from Wilfried Zaha and Kagisho Dikgacoi secured the three points in South London, much to the delight of Freedman.

"I am not relieved at all [about getting that first win of the year]," the Palace boss said.

"We have been performing fantastically well over the last three or four games.

Refuse

"The performances have merited wins so it is pleasing to get what you deserve and we certainly got that today.

"Over the last three or four games, I felt our performances were very, very good but we didn't quite get what we deserved.

"The players were fine during the run. It is not like we have been losing 3-0 or 4-0.

"We have drawn a number of matches and don't get beat. It is as simple as that.

"We refuse to get beat, we refuse to leak goals but our performances haven't quite been there."

Immense

Watford manager Dyche was not overly disappointed, although he admitted all four goals were avoidable.

"We've done really well this season at set-pieces," he said. "Statistically we've done well, both scoring and managing not to concede.

"The nature of the goals is disappointing but, let's face it, every goal you concede is disappointing.

"I don't think we were our usual selves full stop today. It was not about set pieces - it was about the general feel of the group.

"But I need to make it clear that this same group have been absolutely immense and we're not exactly scratching around wondering where it is all going."