Considering Xisco Munoz had not even got round to unpacking his bags in his hotel room, this was a mightily impressive start to life as Watford manager.
The Spaniard is the 13th permanent manager at Vicarage Road since the Pozzo family took ownership of the club in summer 2012 and the fifth since the start of last season, so many would say there's little point getting too comfortable.
But all Xisco can do is win matches and, just six days after his arrival from Dinamo Tbilisi, his revitalised Watford side toppled the league leaders.
After only two training sessions with his new players and using an old-fashioned 4-4-2, Watford put in their best performance for weeks to blow away memories of the dour football under shortlived predecessor Vladimir Ivic.
'This week I've had no time for anything,' Xisco said afterwards with a broad smile.
'I arrived and started working from morning until night. It was very crazy but it is important you must know everything about the club.'
The 40-year-old evidently knows how to craft a successful side. Dinamo Tbilisi won the Georgian league title a couple of weeks before Xisco's arrival at Vicarage Road.
And he certainly did the right things here to get Watford fans on board. Captain Troy Deeney was restored to the starting line-up a week after his fall-out with Ivic that caused the manager's downfall.
Xisco also committed the team to attack, even against a Norwich side who had won five games in a row. But for Andre Gray missing a couple of chances, they would have been out of sight by half-time.
Ismaila Sarr, the match-winner six minutes before half-time, was excellent and Ken Sema on the opposite flank teed him up to score.
And when Norwich did finally exert pressure late on, Watford's defenders 'fought like animals' to ensure the three points.
Deeney, for one, was happy with first impressions and said: 'The lads have families and he has tried to connect with everyone on a personal level.
'He told us to enjoy it. We are enjoying the days. Funnily, he put Sweet Caroline on before we went out to get the mood going.
'He said we needed one song. It was like being at Ally Pally!'
Unlike the unexpressive Ivic, Xisco was a lively presence on the touchline. Within two minutes of kick-off, he'd been warned by fourth official Gavin Ward to stay inside his technical area.
Xisco will work towards his UEFA Pro Licence in the months ahead as holding one is a requirement to coach in the Premier League. But despite this positive start, it would be unwise to talk too much about promotion.
Norwich look a far surer bet. They are still four points clear at the top. Their manager Daniel Farke was irked at his team's lack of intensity — they created little until the final moments — but also remembered the broader context.
'I have to calm myself down and not be too strict because the lads have done fantastic so far,' said the German.
'I don't want to let my levels and my standards drop but after such a great run, I want us to be so proud of ourselves.
'In this league, it isn't like you win 46 games in a row and get promoted, it's all about consistency.'
Both these teams will fancy their chances of an immediate Premier League return, but a congested promotion race approaching the midway mark of the season offers no guarantees.
