Roy Hodgson's first game as Watford manager finished in an instantly forgettable 0-0 draw at Burnley in a battle between the Premier League's bottom two.

There were a number of half-chances for both sides, though Watford were convinced they should have won a penalty after Ken Sema's volleyed cross struck the arm of Connor Roberts inside the box, but no spot-kick was given after a VAR check — much to the Hornets' frustration.

It was a game neither side could afford to lose and, while Burnley remain bottom of the league, they have only played 19 games and are only three points from safety.

After 30 games without a clean sheet, Hodgson was pleased to have kept Burnley out.

He said: "[The clean sheet] is significant. We know unless we defend in the way we did today — being compact and aggressive in our pressing - then you won't get clean sheets in the Premier League. 

"I thought this was a stern test after only 10 days with the players and I thought they dealt with it very well.

"It's a really difficult place to come. I don't think many will look forward to games against Burnley. I thought we probably did enough today to come away with a victory. I'm pleased with the way the players went about their work.

"They showed great spirit, great determination and I think they showed everybody that they still care very much and they rolled their sleeves up. If you don't work hard here at Burnley, you get nothing."

Did you know?

Burnley have won just one of their last 22 Premier League games (D10 L11), and have scored just two goals in their last seven matches.

Watford kept their first Premier League clean sheet of the season in what was their 21st game – only Blackburn in 2011-12 (28 games) and Norwich in 2011-12 (22 games) have taken longer to record their first shutout of a Premier League campaign.

Watford manager Roy Hodgson has failed to win his first Premier League game in charge with each of his last five clubs (D3 L2), since winning with Blackburn against Derby in August 1997 (1-0).

No Premier League side is on a current longer winless run than Burnley and Watford, with both sides failing to win each of their last nine games in the competition.

Burnley’s 13 points after 19 games is their second-lowest total at the halfway stage of a Premier League season, only collecting fewer in 2018-19 (12) – however, the Clarets did avoid relegation that campaign and finished 15th.