Watford's early dominance looked like it would count for little as a dogged, if limited, Hull side lasted all but seven minutes of yesterday's game at Vicarage Road with a goalless draw in tact.

Michael Dawson's late own goal gave the Hornets a victory they deserved, but one they looked like they would have to live without after failing to turn what was, at times, some of their best link-up play of the season into meaningful chances.

Hitting the post twice inside the first 10 minutes should have been a precursor of what was to come; but as the goals failed to come, so to did the chances dry up.

In spite of that, Watford certainly looked capable for most of the game of creating something, even if it rarely materialised, and they failed to register a shot on target in the entire game.

Here's how we rated the players:

Heurelho Gomes - 6
Not much to do. One routine save from Abel Hernandez after the break, and had to mop up a dodgy Younes Kaboul clearance early on, but nothing too much to do. A few dodgy clearances mark him down from a seven.

Younes Kaboul - 7
Two solid early efforts, including a terrific header off the bar. Played well in what was almost a support-winger role at times. Little defending to do but along with Nordin Amrabat, kept Sam Clucas very quiet down the Hull left.

Watford Observer:

Sebastian Prodl - 6
Should have done better with Nordin Amrabat's cross before half-time from one of a few runs into the box; let's hope he keeps them up when the time is right, as it looked to have Hull worried. Defensively ok, but missed header allowed Hernandez a chance just after half-time.

Miguel Britos - 6
Of the few chances Hull had, Hernandez's two efforts were as a direct result of some slow thinking from Britos; before the break, he was sluggish to close down the striker, and let him go altogether after the break to allow him a one-on-one he should have finished off. Some willing clearances/interceptions keep him at a six.

Nordin Amrabat - 8
Had a very good afternoon up against a clearly out of position Sam Clucas. Despite deliveries being hit and miss he was always lively, and performed well defensively when needed. Marked down from a nine for a mixed final ball.

Watford Observer:

Roberto Pereyra - 7.5
It wouldn't be fair to give Pereyra the same mark as Amrabat, but he was certainly one of the best players on the field, and is always looking forward when picking up the ball, trying to make something happen. A lot of Watford's good play began with him on the ball, and that's no coincidence. Drifted in the second half, but still very good overall.

Etienne Capoue - 7
Looked a lot more assured and composed than he has in recent weeks, if not up to his early-season best. Kept it simple, moved the ball well. There's not much more to say than that.

Valon Behrami - 5
Slow to challenge players, especially Ryan Mason when he lined up a first-time effort from outside the box just before the break; for whatever reason, Behrami jogged across with no real intention of closing him down. Marked down for a needless booking on Clucas.

Jose Holebas - 6
The invisible man compared to Amrabat on the other side, but was fine when he did see the ball. Some decent set-piece deliveries.

Watford Observer:

Odion Ighalo - 6
Played well in all departments - apart from in front of goal. Some good hold-up play made a chance for Troy Deeney in the second half, and helped him fashion one of his own which many briefly thought had gone in. Looks desperate to score at times, however, which is proving a downfall.

Troy Deeney - 5
Didn't see much of the ball at all in either half, and guilty of missing the chance of the game before the break. Unlucky to see a second-half shot blocked, but did little to influence the game.

Substitutes

Camilo Zuniga (for Amrabat, 85) - N/A

Daryl Janmaat (for Kaboul, 72) - 7
Linked up well with Amrabat down the Watford right in the brief spell he was on. Didn't look as rusty as he might have after more than a month out.

Christian Kabasele (for Prodl, 87) - N/A