Burnley manager Sean Dyche is sure Watford boss Gianfranco Zola will turn the Hornets’ form around and suggested more perspective is needed when assessing the club’s current situation.

Dyche, who made 78 appearances for Watford before becoming manager for the 2011/12 season, has led Burnley to third in the Championship – currently 12 points and nine places higher than the Golden Boys.

Watford have been struggling for form of late but when asked about his former club after the match, Dyche was full of praise.

“They're a good side and they’ve got some good players,” he said.

“I think the expectation after last year went through the roof but it’s not easy to get a new bunch of players in and create a side.

“I think Gianfranco will get it sorted over time - I don’t think it’s that wrong actually, I don’t think it’s that broken."

He added: “Make no mistake Watford are a good side, they’re having an indifferent spell but they have a good manager, it’s a good club and there are some really good players there.”

Recent results have led some Hornets’ supporters to question Zola’s position as head coach but Dyche suggested more patience and perspective is needed.

“I believe there’s a bit of news down there that’s questioning everything but I think it was only a short while ago that the club wasn’t delivering what it’s delivering now,” Dyche said.

“It didn’t have the resources and now they have got resources - I think there’s a new stand going up and there’s some very good things going on down there.

“Gianfranco is a good man and he’s doing a good job.”