Watford's lack of goals - and chances - in their last two games has not been influenced by any style change from Walter Mazzarri, the Italian has said.

The Hornets were free-scoring in the opening weeks of the Premier League season, albeit equally puorous at the other end, netting 12 goals in their first seven games, while conceding 13.

But a narrow 1-0 win at Middlesbrough a fortnight ago, in a game of few chances, and a dour 0-0 in south Wales at the Liberty Stadium five days ago, were a stark contrast to the way Mazzarri's side have set out their stall in the top flight to date.

But for Jose Holebas' wonderstrike at the Riverside, Watford could conceivably have played out two 0-0 draws in a row, having previously gone without a goalless stalemate since February 27.

Mazzarri said: "I didn’t really change things, I don’t change my mind on my style. I think it’s purely a coincidence.

"We were much better defensively, but that was partly because we had important players back in defence who we didn’t have before.

"Of course, we didn’t score, but it’s not easy to score away from home and I think it’s just coincidence - and we still had a lot of chances to score."

Despite the denial, Mazzarri would not be drawn on whether Saturday's game with Hull would illicit a more attacking stance from his side, against a Tigers outfit who have shipped 19 goals in their last five Premier League games.

I can’t really say before the game what I told the players," he said. "The important thing is that we correct our mistakes, and try always to be ready against the next team.

"Against Hull, I can’t say what I told them, but we need an equilibrium and make sure we are not defending too much or attacking too much. If we attack too much, we can be countered against and we need a good defence."