Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has backed Watford to have a good season in the Premier League and said today’s game did not merit a goalless draw.

Quique Sanchez Flores’ side failed to test Saints goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, despite having 13 attempts on goal. On the other hand, the South Coast side only had one more shot than the Hornets but hit the target with five.

However, the Golden Boys did have the game’s two best chances.

In the first half Odion Ighalo failed to connect with Ikechi Anya’s tantalising driven ball across the face of goal, whilst in the second Etienne Capoue somehow managed to nod over from almost underneath the crossbar from a corner.

Asked if he had been impressed by what the home side had to offer, the former Ajax and PSV Eindhoven boss said: “Yes, we analysed Watford and how they did in the first two games.

“I liked today’s game. We had both teams playing to win the game. It was not really a 0-0 game in my opinion.

“Maybe because the defenders were too strong today. I think Watford are doing well for a promoted team. Of course a draw is not what Watford expect but I think they have had a good start to the season.”

After conceding five goals in their first two Premier League fixtures this term, the Saints boss switched to a 5-3-2 formation with a central defensive axis of Maya Yoshida, Jose Fonte and Steven Caulker.

The trio effectively neutralised the threat of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo and Koeman felt his side had been in control in the second half.

He said: “First of all you like to win the game and you think you can win the game, but of course after the five goals we conceded something needed to change in order to have better defensive organization.

“And that was very positive. I don’t think Watford created a lot. Maybe both teams’ defensive organization today was too strong for both teams’ attackers.

“Winning games starts with good defensive organization. We had some chances, a few more in the second half than the first, and I think we had more domination in the second half. It is a starting point.”