Reading secured a fourth consecutive triumph on Saturday afternoon, overcoming recently relegated Watford at the Madejski Stadium to maintain the 100 per cent start to the season.

The game was decided in the 41st minute, when George Puscas somewhat fortuitously found the back of the net after his effort from inside the area was deflected beyond Ben Foster in the Watford goal.

Despite a barrage of pressure coming from the visitors, Paunovic's side held firm and secured another triumph in the Championship - a result which sees Reading return to the top of the league, level on points with Bristol City.

Speaking after the game, Paunovic: "It was the hardest game so far.

"Teams are in better shape as we progress in the season, us included.

"We were up against a very good team and in the first 15 minutes we struggled but then adjusted.

“The team showed a fantastic performance in defence and winning mentality and building up our foundations and identity.

“We’re happy with how the team is bonding.

"It’s a good beginning and we still have a long way to go. It helps the team believe.

“We always work giving our best and having positive expectations.

"This is what we believe is the result of a clear and honest approach and always being available to get better and improve.

“Before we step on the field, we have one word and that’s the ‘team’. We play as a team. Again, the team won."

After the game, the manager gathered all of the players and coaching staff together on the pitch - an act which Paunovic said was to 'recap on the great effort' his players have shown in the opening stages of the season.

"It was a time for us to recap on the great effort so far from everyone.

"We want to bond in that moment and it was important to do it.

“We want to be united together through difficult moments and good things are happening and we have to enjoy it.”

Paunovic confirmed that the two notable absentees from the squad today, Ovie Ejaria and Sam Baldock, will not be out of action for a prolonged period.

The manager said that Ejaria had suffered 'stomach flu-like symptoms' during the week, and was subsequently not involved today.

Baldock missed out after he became a father in the early hours of this morning.

Paunovic added: "We congratulate from here him, his wife and his whole family for this fantastic event in their lives."

With the international transfer window set to close on Monday, Paunovic was reluctant to give anything away about the possibility of further incomings in the near future.

The boss said: “We’re closer to the end of the transfer window. We see we need to have depth.

"We have some things in place, but we have to be cautious of what we can say and what we can expect.”