Swansea could not mark Bob Bradley’s home bow with a first __win since the opening day as they played out a goalless stalemate with Watford.
The hosts had the two best chances of the game with Heurelho Gomes saving from Mike van der Hoorn and Gylfi Sigurdsson striking a post.
There was at least the small comfort of a first clean sheet since the first game of the campaign, with debutant Alfie Mawson impressing at the back, but the Welsh side remain in the bottom three.
For Watford, Nordin Amrabat missed a late chance to __win it while Odion Ighalo also failed to convert a good first-half opportunity.
Troy Deeney again excelled for the Hornets and Walter Mazzari would certainly hace been happy enough to come away with a point.
1. Bradley heeds style advice
Poor Bob Bradley took a fair bit of stick for his ‘Milk Tray Man’ get-up at the Emirates Stadium last week, but he made amends here by patrolling his technical area in a smart suit after admitting he had “failed the dress test”.
Shame his side could not match his style on the field.
2. Bradley not afraid to make changes
It may have been his home bow, but Bradley showed he was not afraid to make the big calls.
He made five changes from the defeat at Arsenal, including changing three members of the back four and taking top scorer Leroy Fer out of the side.
No doubt Swansea will need such a no-nonsense approach.
3. Top 10 no false position for Watford
This early in the season there is always talk about teams being in a false position.
Some have made that comment about Watford this week but Walter Mazzari’s men provided evidence here they should be targeting a top-10 finish.
While not at their best here, they are solid, well-drilled and carry a genuine goal threat.
4. Mawson makes step up
Having made all bar a handful of his senior appearances outside of the League One and League Two, this was a big ask for Swans debutant Alfie Mawson against the power and pace of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo, but the former Barnsley man stood up well and could yet play a part in solving Swansea’s defensive problems.
5. No century but Deeney excels
A goal here would have brought up a century of Watford goals for the striker. It was not to be, but he turned in another excellent performance.
He worked diligently in closing down, and was always available as an outlet when needed. His movement and strength were a constant menace.
