It what would be only the Swans’ fourth triumph on the road this season and second under the Portuguese boss, the visitors were made to work hard by a physical Hornets side chasing a play-off place.
Matos’ side, however, were more than up to the challenge and showed character to battle through before second half strikes from Marko Stamenic and Josh Key would be clinically dispatched to earn all three points.
New Zealand midfielder Stamenic poked home from close range after top-scorer Zan Vipotnik had flicked on Josh Tymon’s corner to opening the scoring.
Swansea then made certain of the points late on with Stamenic turning provider for Key to tap in.
Watford substitute Nestory Irankunda was then sent off after a clash with Swans forward Liam Cullen in added time to round off the home side’s miserable day.
The Swans move up to 15th in the table after the victory, four points behind the stuttering hosts who drop to 10th as Watford’s winless run increases to five matches.
“We felt the [away] performances were going in the right direction and the mentality was and is going in the right direction,” said Matos after the game.
“It was a matter of efficiency and detail and today that’s what we got. It’s a hard place to come.
“We started with good aggression, but Watford took control and pushed us back, which hasn’t happened a lot since I have been here.
Watford are a really good team, but we were able to cope with that.
“But we coped, we suffered together as a team and then when we had the chances, we were able to score and keep the clean sheet.
“With the ball in the second half we were able to control more of the game and that gave us the momentum and the chances.
“The foundations are getting settled. We need to keep performing like we have been and to be clinical and efficient. And to have a little bit of luck at the right moment. Score with the right opportunity at the right moment.”
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
