Middlesbrough haven't been known for their classic showings in the Premier League this season, and yesterday was little different.

The visitors packed the midfield to frustrate their hosts having changed from their regular shape to a 3-5-2, matching up against Walter Mazzarri's side.

And with one win in their previous 23 top-flight away games, it was little surprise they might have hoped simply to frustrate Watford, as the Teesiders manufactured only one clear-cut chance all game.

However, Watford needed more spark than they mustered in the opening 75 minutes to open them up, and Tom Cleverley's introduction really sparked them into life late on.

The Everton loanee played a dinked ball over the top for Troy Deeney within minutes of coming on, the kind of ball we've not seen much this season, which came close to providing the opener.

He went close himself when he struck a post in the dying moments too, and will surely start at Bournemouth next week.

Here's how we rated the Hornets in their 0-0 draw:

Heurelho Gomes - 7
Did everything asked of him, which wasn’t a huge amount, but was more solid from crosses than we've often seen.

Younes Kaboul - 5
Let Cristhian Stuani go for the best chance of the first half, and did the same with Alvaro Negredo after the break.

Sebastian Prodl - 7
Did well in keeping Negredo quiet for the most part and looked more assured than he has done in the past couple of weeks.

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Miguel Britos - 7
Another strong performance from the Uruguayan, kept everything tidy without pulling up any trees, but was generally defensively sound.

Christian Kabasele - 6
Still about as much of a right wing-back as many of the crowd inside Vicarage Road but is getting into better positions as he continues to take on the role, and wasn't too far from finishing off a cross after half-time.

Valon Behrami - 7
Put himself about in both halves with a typical all-action performance from probably Watford's best professional.

Abdoulaye Doucoure - 7
Looks more capable with every game that passes; still has an unconventional way of doing things, but was useful both defensively and going forward.

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Etienne Capoue - 6
Less ineffectual than he has been in recent weeks, but should have got at least one of his far-post curlers on target.

Jose Holebas - 6
Poor after half-time but did put some decent deliveries in before the break. Allowed Fabio too much room a few times. Could've done with moving faster when he was substituted.

Troy Deeney - 5
Never really got into the game, won a fair bit in the air but was never close enough to Stefano Okaka to make anything happen. Should've scored late on.

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Stefano Okaka - 6
Strong in the first half and looked a threat to a packed Boro defence, but had much less impact after the break.

Substitutes
Costel Pantilimon (for Gomes, 66) - 6
Had very little to do but was capable when required.

Tom Cleverley (for Behrami, 77) - 7
Picked up his team-mates immediately after coming on. Looks the creative midfielder which has been lacking.

Camilo Zuniga (for Holebas, 89) - N/A