Watford boss Marco Silva wants to move on from Troy Deeney's Arsenal criticism

Watford captain Troy Deeney hit out at Arsenal following his side's dramatic victory last weekend

Watford boss Marco Silva had words with captain Troy Deeney after the striker claimed Arsenal lacked "a bit of cojones" in last weekend's dramatic game at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory through a stoppage-time goal from Tom Cleverley which saw them climb to fourth in the Premier League table.

In a post-match television interview, striker Deeney felt basic physicality had spurred on Watford - something Arsenal are often accused of being unable to deal with.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger subsequently brushed off the criticism, while midfielder Jack Wilshere labelled the suggestions as "horrible".

Silva also looked to draw a line under the matter when the issue was raised again in a press conference ahead of Saturday's league match at Chelsea.

"Troy knows what my opinion is about what he said. I want to finish that situation now. I don't want to say anything more about it," said Silva, as reported by the Watford Observer.

"It's important for us as a club to speak about our work, and us as a team. That's what's most important. We need to look inside and not outside, to respect ourselves as well and do our job.

"At that moment, Troy gave his opinion. It's finished now."

The Watford manager added: "Troy is honest in his job and what he needs to do. That's how he is.

"Not because he spoke about one thing or the other, he helps our dressing room in the way I want, and with what we need to do in our work."

Despite Watford's impressive start which sees them just two points behind third-placed Tottenham, Silva intends to keep everyone grounded.

"It's too early (in the season), I want everyone at the club to keep their feet on the floor and to work hard every day to prepare the next match because in football everything changes too fast," the Portuguese coach said, quoted on Watford's website.

"I want everyone to be calm. I think it is fair we are having these conversations because we did really well in our opening eight games.

"You need to keep going, to work hard and to think of each game like it's our most important."