Watford boss Walter Mazzarri felt his players were affected by the emotion of the Graham Taylor tribute for their stalemate with Middlesbrough.

Taylor, viewed by Watford as the greatest manager in the club's history, died suddenly on Thursday following a suspected heart attack at the age of 72.

The club paid a glowing tribute to Taylor ahead of Saturday's fixture which culminated in a rousing one-minute applause prior to kick-off.

A number of home supporters - many of whom had laid flowers, shirts and scarves at Vicarage Road - and Taylor's widow Rita, were reduced to tears as the former England manager's name echoed around the stadium.

"It was very emotional for all of us," said Mazzarri. "This was due to the passing away of this great person that made the history of Watford Football Club.

"The first half we were less brilliant and it could have been due to this emotion. In the second half we played much better and we deserved the win."