Having not won away from home since February, Watford were unlikely to ever control proceedings at Carrow Road.

The opening minutes highlighted that, as the Hornets once again absorbed wave after wave of pressure while battling to stay level.

That approach only works if you make the most of chances on the break, when they arise, otherwise you leave yourself vulnerable to dismal games, as Watford have learnt the hard way in recent weeks.

In the first half, however, the Hornets showed the courage that Alessio Dionisi had been crying out for, and their profligacy that has dictated games in recent weeks was absent, as they made quick progress on their objective.

Hector Kyprianou’s superb pass to Iker Bravo in the 10th minute enabled the young Spaniard to unlock Myron Boadu with a perfectly timed ball.

Myron Boadu scores his first goal vs Norwich. (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)

The Dutchman finished excellently to net his first Watford goal, and put the Hornets in front away from home for the first time since August’s trip to Wrexham.

Just over a quarter of an hour later, Boadu grabbed a second to double the Hornets’ lead, after receiving the ball from Mattie Pollock.

The 25-year-old still had plenty to do, and worked excellently to get into a shooting position, before sneaking an excellent strike beneath Daniel Grimshaw, in similar fashion to his first.

Watford were still not in total control, but had managed the first half excellently and boasted a two-goal lead at the break for their immense efforts.

It was as good a first half as the Hornets have seen in recent weeks, which made the second-half collapse all the more disappointing.

Ben Chrisene pulled one back for the hosts in the 53rd minute, and a familiar look of concern spread across the pitch.

After the goal, Watford faced an onslaught, and one soon became two when Anthony Musaba pulled the Canaries level just nine minutes after their first.

Even when the game was level, any sign of a contest had long evaporated, with Watford stumbling from moment to moment as they frantically fought to deny Norwich of the lead.

After seeing the positive side of a counter-attacking game plan in the first half, the Hornets were now in the midst of a deep hole, facing the brutal downside of when it does not work.

It had long been a wholly unsustainable period of pressure, and Norwich quickly finished their comeback in the 71st minute, when Paris Maghoma added a third.

In the closing stages, the one-goal margin was flattering to Watford, and there was no sign that Dionisi’s side could mount a comeback.

Watford staggered to a 3-2 defeat, a sixth defeat in seven games, and could enter the relegation zone if Burnley beat Portsmouth.

The Hornets have a quick turnaround, with a game at home to Lincoln City on Tuesday night; another important battle for Dionisi’s side.