Expect wondergoals - Watford boss makes exciting gameplan admission after QPR victory

Watford manager Valérien Ismaël admitted that he has been encouraging his side to take more strikes from distance after two Jake Livermore goals from outside the box saw the Hornets defeat struggling QPR at Loftus Road on Sunday.

The home side had been dominant in large parts through the first half as Marti Cifuentes looked to ignite a fight for survival with Watford chances few and far between. Experienced playmaker Livermore then struck home two sweet finishes from distance in the 60th and 65th minute to take the stuffing out of the Hoops.

Asked if it seemed like a day where it would take a moment of magic to help Watford on their way, Ismaël told the media that wondergoals were part of his mantra as a coach. He said: "In the second half there were two things we needed to change. The first was to stop making mistakes as we lost too many balls and created momentum for QPR. The second is to shoot more on target. To make sure we have the possibility to score.

"The more you shoot on the target, the more chance you have to score a goal. You force them to defend, the rebound is always there, we're working on those situations. We put our players in situations to shoot outside the box. We have to make sure it's always on our mind.

"This is a part of our way to play. If you see, throughout the season, a lot of goals we score from midfield players outside the box. We put our players in this position and say just hit the target. Choose a corner and hit the target as strong as possible. Jake has a great mentality, a very important player for us, he's an example for the young players in our squad."

Livermore's brace at Loftus Road made it three goals and an assist in three appearances for the 34-year-old, who has become the metronome in his side's midfield. The former Spurs man joined the club last summer after being released from West Brom and admitted he had been 'due' his goals after the match.

Livermore told the Watford FC website: "I think I have been due a couple. I've been getting a bit of stick from the lads for not chipping in, but I think it is a great team performance away from home. It is always difficult on a Sunday as well as you put added pressure on yourselves. There was a great save from the big man at the end as well. We dug in deep - they are a good side, and I think their luck will change. It's a great result all round.

"I could hear Ben shout 'shoot' as well as the fans! But all jokes aside, I thought the boys were excellent throughout. It is nice to chip in with a few goals, obviously my role is different due to the style we play so when I do get the opportunity to get forward it is always nice to relieve a bit of pressure off the forwards."