Watford and Bournemouth failed to convert a host of chances as they played out a scoreless draw at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

Hornets striker Odion Ighalo sent a header over the bar from close range before firing over from inside the penalty box after Watford had caught the Bournemouth defence napping with a quickly-taken free-kick.

The Cherries' best goal-scoring opportunity came through Max Gradel. The striker, who was making his return from injury, twice forced Hornets goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes to make fine saves.

Watford remain mid-table, in 10th place, while Bournemouth are in 15th, five points clear of the relegation zone.

MATCH OVERVIEW

Watford: 0
Bournemouth: 0
Vicarage Road, Watford (20,831)

TALKING POINTS

Watford have lost just one of their past five matches and appear to be on the verge of securing their Premier League status for a second consecutive season.

Bournemouth meanwhile are still teetering on the brink of a return to the Championship after three matches without a win.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Watford travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Wednesday, while Bournemouth host south coast rivals Southampton a day earlier.

TWITTER INSIGHT

@maxigr04del congrats on your return today bro My Turn Next
— Callum Wilson (@CallumWIlson) February 27, 2016

DEENEY ON GOMES: "He's a bit like a fine wine, he just gets better with age, we appreciate him." #watfordfcpic.twitter.com/0glAmVcaN3
— Watford FC (@WatfordFC) February 27, 2016


QUOTES CORNER

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe believes his side deserved more from the fixture:

"We should have won. We were excellent in long spells of the game. But it's a clean sheet and a point. Any point gained away from home is a valuable one. However, Gomes did make some wonderful saves today."

Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores believes his side are inching closer to safety:

"When you don't win it's important to get a point. We are closer to the 40-point mark. Our next match is against Man United. They are strong. We have to go into the match knowing this will be tough."


STATS SPECIALS
*Thanks to Opta

37 - The Watford player with the most passes against Bournemouth today was goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. Playmaker.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 27, 2016

4 - Watford have drawn four PL games 0-0 this season, only Man Utd (5) have more. Dour.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 27, 2016