Everton 0-0 Watford: Frustated by Hornets but just ahead in relegation battle

The Hornets' demotion was confirmed following the club's 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace at the weekend, while Everton's performance improved after a 2-1 success over Leicester City. However, neither party scoring in a match could have ended Everton's resolve to retain their position. Frank Lampard's side had to settle with a goalless draw as they currently occupy the 16th position in the standings. They are still attempting to finish ahead of Burnley, trailing by two points with three matches ahead. 

Everton showed more control and better form.

Everton was a better team even though the draw; Everton was the better team on the field. They had 52% ball possession and made 16 shots compared to their opponent's six tries. Everton also received 13 corners, while Watford couldn't cross three. However, the former was adept at making fouls alongside their penchant for better control. Making 12 fouls as Watford attempted to counter the aggression with five fouls of their own. The Toffees had recently climbed two points above the bottom three with three games remaining. Watford failed to land a victory at Crystal Palace last week and has remained 19th. The Hornets' demotion was then announced on Saturday afternoon.

Everton looked to attack down the right-hand side especially, but chances were hard to come by. Alex Iwobi found Anthony Gordon on the half-hour, but he could not direct his goalwards.

Watford had a free kick from outside the box just before half-time, but Kalu's curled effort was over the crossbar.

Everton almost took the lead in the 62nd minute when they won the ball back in midfield, and Iwobi found Demarai Gray, but his shot across goal was inches wide of the far post.

Michael Keane sent a header straight at Foster as Everton edged closer to a breakthrough, but they could not find the back of the net, and a game lacking in quality finished goalless.

Watford has experienced a record 11 consecutive defeats on their patch, and only Rochdale have ever exceeded the tally in English football - 14 in a row in the Third Division between 1931 and 1932. Frank Lampard and his in-form Everton crop are now seeking three consecutive victories for the first time in the Premier League this season.