Lucas Leiva spotted Can running into the box and delivered a lofted pass. The German timed his leap perfectly while still on the run and made firm contact with his right foot while nearly upside-down to put the ball into the top corner.

And after the strike stood as the only goal of the game, Can told Sky Sports: "I have never scored a goal like that -- maybe when I was younger. That is the best goal I've ever scored.

"I saw the space and I ran behind and my first thought was that I wanted to head it, then I didn't think too much."

The victory firmed up Liverpool's third-place position, putting them three points ahead of Manchester City and four above Manchester United, though both top-four rivals have a game in hand.

"The most important thing was three points after knowing what happened yesterday," Can added. "It was a big game for us.

"Everything is in our hands. If we win the three games we are in the Champions League. We are confident. If we perform how we can perform then we can do it."

Emre Can and Liverpool shored up their position in the Premier League's top four with Monday's win.

Adam Lallana said Can's goal had earned him the right to try more outrageous attempts in the future.

"He does like to try speculative efforts, and I'm not going to have a pop at him now for trying them in training after he's produced that today. A worldie goal -- I was right behind him and it was worthy of winning any game."

Liverpool lost Philippe Coutinho to an early knock, but the incident also meant the return of Lallana after five games out, while Daniel Sturridge also made a late cameo as he recovers his full fitness.

"I didn't expect to come on so early, but these things happen," Lallana said. "You've got to be prepared mentally for anything.

"Phil was unlucky to get a knock. I think it was probably a dead leg. Sometimes when you get these knees to the side you can't run them off. It's a massive blow to us and hopefully we'll get him fit for the weekend because he's such a big player for us.

"But I had to come on and I've felt I got into the game quite quickly and I didn't feel like I lost too much rhythm. A bit tired at the end but I've had fix or six weeks out of the game so that's only normal.

Watford defender Adrian Mariappa could admire Can's finish but said the Hornets were disappointed to come away empty-handed.

"It's always disappointing to lose at home," he said. "Obviously it's a great finish but we go away disappointed after hitting the bar in the last few minutes of the game. We were hoping to get something from it."

Asked about Can's goal, he added: "I think maybe I came out of my spot a bit too early trying to anticipate the pass, but at this level they punish you. It's such a good finish. It's got to be a good finish to beat Gomes the form he's in. It's a tough one but those are the margins at this level."