Slavisa Jokanovic believes his lack of squad rotation was the reason for Watford’s lacklustre first half performance in their 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough.

Saturday’s contest was the Hornets’ third match in seven days and eight of Watford’s starting XI at the Riverside Stadium had also began the previous two fixtures.

The Golden Boys were lethargic in the opening 45 minutes and Boro created several chances. Fortunately for the visitors, a string of saves from Jonathan Bond and wasteful finishing meant the game was level at the interval.

Middlesbrough did go in front in the second period through Kike but the Hornets equalised via captain Troy Deeney.

Both sides had chances to win the contest but had to settle for a point apiece.

Jokanovic was asked after the game why Watford were sluggish in the opening period. He replied: “It’s our third game in a week. My decision was to not put many new players in the team, today I only made one change.   

“So many players played three games in a week. That is my responsibility, my decision.”

He added: “I expected we would be better (in the first half) but that’s not what we found. After we started, we tried to find some solutions.”

The result leaves Watford second in the Championship table but level on points with league leaders Derby County. 

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