Relive our coverage of Watford’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace

Watford held to goalless stalemate by Crystal Palace

Mixed feelings for Hayden Mullins after Watford draw with Crystal Palace

Watford players rated in draw with Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson optimistic about Watford’s prospects under Nigel Pearson

The Premier League’s lowest-scoring teams Watford and Crystal Palace played out a disappointing goalless draw at Vicarage Road.

New head coach Nigel Pearson was watching from the stands as caretaker boss Hayden Mullins oversaw duties from the dugout for the second game running.

Pearson spoke to the Watford players in the dressing room before kick-off and the interim manager, Hayden Mullins, admitted his leadership qualities were evident immediately. “That’s one of the reasons why the club have appointed him because they know that about him, they know his pedigree, he’s a top manager and he’s got a good group of players to work with,” he said

There’s a “new broom” air about the place which didn’t really come when Quique returned, partly because he was an old broom in any case and partly because we were still reconciling ourselves to the knowledge that we needed a new broom at all.  The new broom himself passes in front of the Rookery before kick-off en route from the Black Seats in the Upper GT to being presented to the crowd in front of the SEJ stand.  He looks less like the formidable, intimidating ex-centre back of our mind’s eye than he does an accountant… smart suit, specs, and smaller somehow than he should be?  Either way, looking convincing whilst being introduced to the crowd will only take him so far in the job he’s taken on but he does this compellingly enough – I’m cheaply bought, and a raise of both fists to the Rookery with gritted teeth is more than enough.  Good luck to him.

As it was Watford’s “Rainbow Laces” match, there was a rainbow carpet welcoming all to the Hornet shop and there were Premier League representatives handing out laces to passing fans.

At the end of another eventful week in the world of Watford, Jon is joined by Colin, Mike and Jas who try and sum up the last tumultuous few days. The boys try to work out what new Head Coach Nigel Pearson has to do in order to kickstart the great escape, and also run the rule over the performances against Leicester and our old friends Crystal Palace.