Watford boss Javi Gracia hailed the form of 'Big Ben' Foster after the goalkeeper's impressive second-half display at Bournemouth.

Former England goalkeeper Foster produced another set of first-class saves to help the Hornets earn a 3-3 draw on Wednesday night.

Troy Deeney's early brace had Watford in control, only for four goals in six minutes to leave honours even at half-time.

Foster conjured fine close-range saves to deny Callum Wilson once and Josh King twice in the second half, leaving Watford manager Gracia to reveal his nickname for the 35-year-old.

"Ben Foster was very important in the second half for us," said Gracia.

"I call him Big Ben. When I arrived in England, I thought Big Ben was in London, but now I know he's in Watford.

"He's playing very well and is very important for us."

Watford's Spanish manager might be happy to set his watch to Foster's goalkeeping, but no one would have been using Wednesday night's defending as a template.

Nathan Ake, England striker Wilson and Ryan Fraser all struck late in the first half for Bournemouth, with Ken Sema also thumping home for Watford in a madcap six-minute spell.

Bournemouth had defensive injuries to deal with and forward Junior Stanislas had to deputise at right-back.

And manager Eddie Howe hailed the 29-year-old's impressive showing in unfamiliar territory.

"Junior was excellent, mentally as much as anything else – that's one of the biggest challenges, the focus required," said Howe.

"And he performed very well, defensively he was solid and kept his focus but also he was very dangerous in attack."

Scotland winger Fraser had a hand in all three Bournemouth goals, scoring one himself.

The 24-year-old revealed Cherries boss Howe has called on the squad to rekindle their fighting spirit after a challenging run of just two wins in 11 Premier League matches.

"To get back to 2-2 and then to concede again in a minute wasn't good," Fraser told Bournemouth's official club website.

"The gaffer's been on to us that even if we are three our four down, not to give up. Because that's not us.

"So we wanted to get back to that never-say-die attitude.

"When you get back into the game it gives you a positive lift.

"We'll take the positives but we can't keep conceding. I don't think we defended well enough from the front tonight."