Watford's Premier League safety not guaranteed yet, says Tom Cleverley
Friday 7 April 2017 10:27, UK
Tom Cleverley believes Watford need "one or two more positive results" to secure their Premier League status.
The Hornets are nine points clear of the relegation zone with eight games of the season remaining and face Tottenham next at White Hart Lane, live on Sky Sports.
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Back-to-back home wins over Sunderland and West Brom have partially allievated any lingering relegation concerns but Cleverley insists they are not safe yet.
"There's definitely work still to be done," Cleverley told Sky Sports News HQ. "If you asked me three weeks ago if 37 points would keep you safe, I would have said yes.
"But the results recently make me think we need one or two positive results. That old saying, one game at a time.
"Hopefully we're here in the middle of May pushing for the top half of the table. First and foremost, it's about getting yourself safe and I don't think we're there yet."
Cleverley joined Watford on loan from Everton in January and in March agreed a five-year deal to make the move permanent in the summer.
He previously enjoyed a successful loan spell at Vicarage Road when at Manchester United and says playing in his preferred position will help him get back to his best.
"I don't think I got a shot at playing my best position at Everton," Cleverley added. "I had a couple of injuries here and there and it just didn't work out.
"The best thing was to come here, somewhere I really enjoyed my football. It all added up to coming to Watford and hopefully it brings the best out of me.
"He [manager Walter Mazzarri] has played me in the position I think I'm best in, which is in the centre as one of a midfield three. I have to thank him for that.
"When you are playing every game it makes a massive difference.
"I have felt right at home since the first day and I'm really enjoying my football with a good bunch of lads who are working together and really focused on winning."
The last time Watford managed consecutive league wins they lost their subsequent match 2-0 at Manchester United.
Cleverley hopes to avoid a repeat on Saturday but admits second-place Tottenham present a big test, describing Mauricio Pochettino's side as "the best team in the league."
He added: "Having watched a lot of them recently and a lot of Chelsea, I would say Spurs are the best team in the league right now.
"It's a massive challenge and one we have to embrace. We went to Old Trafford off the back of two wins and disappointed everyone. We didn't really turn up that day.
"We can learn from that and after two wins now we don't want that same Old Trafford performance."
