Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo had worked hard. They had chased, harassed and battled. But Watford needed something different to break down Southampton's defence.

The Hornets could really have done with Matej Vydra. Shame he wasn't named in the match-day squad.

While the Czech Republic international was undoubtedly thinking over his future at Vicarage Road his teammates were toiling to their second 0-0 draw in eight days.

Watford's defence looks solid. No question about that. But they are still lacking an incisiveness in the final third. And a threat in behind an opposition defence. When on form Vydra offers both. Surely he deserves a chance?

Whether or not he gets it is down to Hornets head coach Quique Sanchez Flores.

While Vydra's omission was the main subject of conversation when the teams were announced the Spaniard only made one change to his starting XI. Left-back Jose Holebas replaced Miguel Layun.

Fernando Forestieri, who has been the subject of a bid from Leeds United this week, was on the bench.

The opening period was full of good defending, high pressing and neat passing. But it was a half of few chances and, most importantly, no goals.

Both goalkeepers were largely spectators. Heurelho Gomes dealt with a couple of unthreatening Graziano Pelle headers while Maarten Stekelenburg didn't have to save to make.

Saido Mane, one of Southampton's most dangerous attacking outlets was brought off midway through the half due to injury.

His replacement Shane Long forced Gomes into a low but routine stop moments after his introduction.

Ikechi Anya proved Watford's potent threat in the opening period. He continuously broke behind the Saints defence and produced dangerous crosses.

One of those should have been turned home at the back post by Odion Ighalo. Instead the ball ran through his legs and out of play.

For the second weekend running at Vicarage Road the game was goalless at half time. Hornets boss Quique Sanchez Flores decided to make a change at the interval.

Holebas was brought off. In his place Alessandro Diamanti was introduced for his Watford debut. Ikechi Anya moved into left-back.

Southampton started the second period brightly and Gomes was forced into early work. Pelle was slipped in behind the Watford defence and fired towards the near post.

The Brazilian goalkeeper was quick to react and pushed the ball wide. The resultant corner was headed over by Long.

Watford continued to move the ball swiftly around the pitch but chances were still few and far between.

Deeney had two shots blocked. Two more Anya crosses were scrambled away. Southampton's defence stood strong.

That was until the 66th minute when it was breached. However, the Hornets failed to take advantage.

The trickery of Jose Manuel Jurado earned Watford a corner. It was delivered by Diamanti and Deeney flicked the corner on. The ball flew into the path of Capoue who, from four yards, could only head over.

Southampton reacted and pushed forward. Cedric Soares thumped a shot from distance over before Pelle slashed wide from the edge of the box. Both sides traded shots from distance in the closing stages. But they didn't offer any threat.

Stekelenburg didn't have a meaningful save. You doubt he'll have an easier afternoon's work this season.

Three games into their Premier League season Watford remain unbeaten. That's certainly not something to be sniffed at.

But it's important the Hornets start turning those draws into victories. Next up? Manchester City away.

At this point of the campaign you couldn't pick anywhere harder to visit if you were searching for your first three points of the season.

Watford: Gomes; Nyom, Prödl, Cathcart, Holebas (HT); Capoue, Behrami (Watson 84); Jurado, Ighalo, Anya; Deeney.

Watford substitutes: Arlauskis, Britos, Layun, Abdi, Forestieri.

Southampton: Stekelenburg, Cédric, Yoshida, Caulker, Fonte, Targett, Wanyama, Romeu, S. Davis (Ward-Prowse 82), Mane (Long 24), Pelle (Rodriguez 80).

Southampton substitutes: K. Davis, Tadić, Martina, Juanmi.