Imran Louza backs Watford to fix away form after Javi Gracia’s impact
Watford’s 3-0 win over high-flying Middlesbrough on Saturday offered a glimpse of the team’s growing potential under Javi Gracia.
It was an impressive display from the Hornets, who made it four straight victories at Vicarage Road. The next challenge, however, is to replicate that form away from home — something that has eluded them so far this season.
Midfielder Imran Louza believes the return of Javi Gracia has been the key to Watford’s resurgence, crediting the Spaniard with restoring belief and unity within the squad.
Louza, who has scored three goals in his last three games, says the new sense of togetherness can help Watford finally turn the corner on their travels, starting with Tuesday’s trip to Ipswich Town.
Speaking to BBC Radio Three Counties, the Moroccan said:
“Away games are our problem at the moment.
If I talk about the last one at Coventry, we missed an opportunity. We played well but something was missing. When we go away, we maybe need to give 10% more than at home. Tuesday is the best time to win.”
Watford are still searching for their first away victory of the season, but Louza insists Gracia’s arrival has already transformed the atmosphere at the club.
“Since the new manager came in, he’s brought back good spirit — something we’d been missing for months, maybe years. Everyone is fighting for each other. We look like a family on the pitch.
We can feel something special building now. It’s all about winning games if we want to be promoted at the end of the season.”
Louza leading Watford’s revival
Louza’s influence has been central to Watford’s improvement. The 26-year-old has been a consistent performer all season but has found another gear under Gracia, scoring five goals in ten Championship appearances.
Imran Louza’s 2025/26 season stats:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Gracia’s tactical shift from a midfield three to a double pivot has also benefited Louza, allowing him to push forward while Hector Kyprianou provides defensive cover. That balance has helped Louza time his late runs into the box more effectively — a key feature of his recent scoring streak.
Now, the focus turns to carrying that form into away fixtures. Louza found the net in October’s 3-1 defeat at Coventry City, but Watford need consistent results on the road to sustain their push up the table.
Tough away tests ahead
Watford’s next few away matches will be a test of their newfound confidence. After Tuesday’s clash at Ipswich, the Hornets face trips to Derby County — who have won three straight — and Birmingham City, a side struggling to find consistency despite heavy investment.
Louza and Gracia know that improving results away from Vicarage Road will be vital if Watford are to maintain their momentum and close the gap on the Championship’s top six.