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Match Analysis: Watford 0-0 Southampton

Sports Mole analyses the goalless draw between Watford and Southampton at Vicarage Road in the Premier League.

Watford have extended their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a goalless draw against Southampton at Vicarage Road this afternoon.

Quique Flores's side made it three straight draws upon their return to the top flight, despite both sides coming close to scoring winners late on.

The result leaves both sides still looking for their first wins of the campaign.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look back at the match.

Match statistics

WATFORD
Shots: 13
On target: 0
Possession: 52%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 10

SOUTHAMPTON
Shots: 14
On target: 5
Possession: 48%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 11

Was the result fair?

The draw is probably a fair reflection of the match. Both sides had strong spells, during which they looked like they could steal the win. Southampton always looked the more dangerous with the ball, but it was Watford who had longer stints of possession, particularly in the second half. It would be fair to say that neither side deserved to lose, but they did not do enough to secure the win either.

Watford's performance

The home side looked like they would be overwhelmed early on as they left too much space at the back for Southampton. However, the likes of Jose Jurado and Ikechi Anya soon started to create chances with their pace down the wings, while the back four found their shape to limit the visitors' chances. Troy Deeney lacked support up front though, often finding himself having to drop back to create chances for others.

Southampton's performance

Southampton made a bright start, but were too happy to sit back and allow Watford to dominate possession and wait for chances to come to them. Like Deeney, Graziano Pelle found himself isolated up front for much of the match, with Ronald Koeman's side relying on their wingers to get the ball forward. The defenders were well-organised though, ensuring that Watford failed to get a shot on target.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Jose Jurado: Watford midfielder Jose Jurado was a dominant force in the second half, using his pace to control the left flank, while also getting back to help out in defence. He provided several dangerous-looking crosses towards Deeney and Odion Ighalo which could have resulted in goals for the hosts, but his teammates were unable to make the most of his efforts.

Biggest gaffe

Etienne Capoue had a golden opportunity to open the scoring inside the final 20 minutes when Deeney flicked the ball on to him following a corner. The midfielder was unmarked at the near post, and only had the keeper to beat, but he could not get his finish on target from just a few feet out.

Referee performance

Andre Marriner took charge of the match, and had a few decisions to make, including a penalty appeal from the home side in the first half. Deeney was clearly held by Steven Caulker, but the officials did not spot it. He also handed out a couple of yellow cards, including one for Oriol Romeu for a two-footed challenge which could have been a red. A lot of the decisions seemed to go Southampton's way, with the home fans ironically cheering every time their side was awarded a free kick.

What next?

Watford: Watford travel to Deepdale on Tuesday, getting their League Cup campaign underway against Preston North End of the Championship.

Southampton: Southampton visit FC Midtjylland in the second leg of their Europa League playoff, having shared a 1-1 draw with the Danish champions at St Mary's earlier this week.

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Shane Long of Southampton is challenged by Allan-Romeo Nyom of Watford during the Barclays Premier League match between Watford and Southampton at Vicarage Road on August 23, 2015
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