Burnley 0-0 Watford: Player ratings as Turf Moor stalemate keeps both clubs in danger
Burnley and Watford played out a 0-0 draw in the Premier League at Turf Moor on Saturday night, characterised by a lack of cutting edge quality from both struggling clubs.
The weather, with heavy rain and chaotic wind, was the most entertaining aspect of the game.
Burnley fans got their first glimpse of £12m deadline day signing Wout Weghorst, who immediately looked to be linking up well with Maxwel Cornet. The Ivorian stung the palms of Ben Foster in the early stages after a flick on from his new giant strike partner.
Connor Roberts’ long throws were giving Burnley a strong early foothold in the game.
Watford took a little more time to find their rhythm, enjoying a spell of pressure half an hour in, although the challenging conditions made it tough for both teams.
Aaron Lennon denied Watford with a goal-line clearance in the closing stages of the first half, sparing Ben Mee the blushes of an own goal at a corner. The visitors also had appeals for a penalty waved away right before half-time when the ball struck Roberts on the arm from close-range.
Moments after the restart, a deflected Weghorst effort looped into the air and had Foster scrambling as the ball came down onto the cross bar. With Burnley increasingly a danger on the counter attack as the half progressed, Foster also had to be alert to parry away from Cornet. Shortly before that, Weghorst had sliced a good chance high and wide.
Nick Pope had to dive to tip away a deflected shot in the closing stages, but neither side could break the deadlock before the final whistle.
Burnley player ratings
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Nick Pope (GK) - 7/10 - Did what he needed to do, including a diving save to turn a deflected shot away in the closing stages.
Connor Roberts (RB) - 6/10 - An asset with effective long throws. Survived penalty appeals just before half-time.
James Tarkowski (CB) - 7/10 - Last-ditch tackle denied Watford an early chance. Strong presence at the back and even strode out on the counter.
Ben Mee (CB) - 6/10 - Went close to scoring at both ends.
Erik Pieters (LB) - 6/10 - Often up the field in support of the attack.
2. Midfielders
Aaron Lennon (RM) - 5/10 - Made a major defensive impact when he cleared the ball off the line in the first half.
Ashley Westwood (CM) - 5/10 - Not enough creativity.
Dale Stephens (CM) - 6/10 - Functional performance in the holding role.
Dwight McNeil (LM) - 4/10 - Faded from the game after a promising start but played an important role off the ball.
3. Forwards
Maxwel Cornet (ST) - 6/10 - His darting movement nicely complemented his new strike partner. Went close early on.
Wout Weghorst (ST) - 6/10 - Looks to have struck up an understanding with Cornet already. Asked major questions of Watford.
4. Substitutes
Jay Rodriguez (ST) - 4/10
Watford player ratings
5. Goalkeeper & defenders
Ben Foster (GK) - 7/10 - Made a couple of important saves.
Kiko Femenia (RB) - 5/10 - Put in decent delivery when he managed to get forward but it didn't happen enough.
Craig Cathcart (CB) - 6/10 - Dealt with what came his way well enough.
Samir (CB) - 5/10 - Might be considered fortunate not to have conceded a penalty for manhandling Mee in the box.
Hassane Kamara (LB) - 6/10 - Covered plenty of ground up and down.
6. Midfielders
Juraj Kucka (RM) - 5/10 - Almost all of his passes were in Burnley's half.
Moussa Sissoko (CM) - 6/10 - Vocal leader.
Edo Kayembe (CM) - 5/10 - Involved in the action but his performance lack quality to make a telling difference.
Ken Sema (LM) - 4/10 - Contribution was lacking.
7. Forwards
Joao Pedro (ST) - 7/10 - Looked sharp and was the most consistent threat in the Watford lineup. Created a number of chances for himself and others.
Joshua King (ST) - 5/10 - Too fleetingly involved.
8. Substitutes
Tom Cleverley (CM) - 4/10 - Gifted Burnley a big chance when he gave the ball away in a dangerous position.
Cucho Hernandez (ST) - 6/10 - Brought fresh energy off the bench.
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