Brighton 0-0 Watford: Ben Foster makes string of saves to earn Hornets draw

Watford manager Javi Gracia said goalkeeper Ben Foster produced a "special performance" after preventing Brighton from claiming their first league win of 2019.

Foster pulled off a string of impressive saves in the goalless draw at the Amex Stadium and the Hornets boss said the 36-year-old is a "very important player for us".

"He has an amazing character and ambition, and his experience is very good for us," said Gracia.

In an uninspiring first half, the veteran keeper kept out the only attempt on target when he clawed Jurgen Locadia's header to safety.

Brighton produced an improved display in the second half but they had to wait until the 79th minute for Locadia to direct another header on target.

However, Foster pulled off another good save with a strong right hand to tip the ball behind for a corner.

He then somehow scrambled an overhead effort by Shane Duffy off his own line from the resulting set-piece, to earn a point for the visitors.

The result sees Brighton remain in 13th while Watford move above Everton into eighth.

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Brighton look short of confidence in attack

The hosts looked the more likely side to get on the scoreboard as Chris Hughton's team had 21 attempts at goal - compared to Watford's five.

However, while they met an inspired Foster in the opposition goal, Brighton only produced four shots on target from their 21 attempts.

And it seems to be a reoccurring theme with the Seagulls of late as they have only scored once in their last four home games in all competitions.

The hosts are creating chances and Pascal Gross - who makes up for what he lacks in pace with technical ability - is influential in their movement forward as the midfielder made 10 key passes.

But Brighton were unable to convert those passes because of inaccuracy or good goalkeeping as Lewis Dunk headed wide from close-range in the first half, and Locadia was kept out twice by Foster.

Nevertheless, Hughton was "pleased with the performance" after his side claimed a point at home against the team currently in eighth.

Foster shines as Watford consolidate top-half status

This was not a game for the purists as both sides struggled to get a foothold on proceedings in the first half.

Locadia's header was the only effort on target in the opening 45 minutes and Foster, 36, showed his agility by diving to his right and palming the ball behind.

Brighton forced the agenda after the interval, but Foster not only made four crucial saves, he was also a commanding presence inside his area.

The visiting keeper was alert off his line and won two free-kicks after punching the ball clear deep inside the box during the second half.

Having performed heroics with his hands and feet, Foster then completed another accomplished stop with his body in the final stages.

Second-half substitute Florin Andone could only smash his effort straight at Watford's number one, having gone through on goal.

Speaking after the game Foster said he was most impressed with his sliding clearance off the line, as well as paying testament to his back four who "had to stand strong".

Man of the match - Ben Foster (Watford)

Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster made four crucial saves at the Amex Stadium

'I would be more frustrated if we couldn't create' - what they said

Brighton manager Chris Hughton to BBC MOTD: "We looked for a reaction from the team after the Fulham game. I couldn't have asked for more.

"We were very good and couldn't have done any more to win or score. Their keeper was in good form.

"They're a good side, they defend well and caused us problems. On the bulk of the game we were the better side. I'm disappointed and frustrated but not frustrated with the endeavours of our team.

"Maybe a lack of confidence and quality, luck or fortune [for some players]. Maybe they need a scruffy one to go in. What you need is to make sure you get in those positions. If we hadn't created chances today, I'd be more worried and frustrated. On another day, the goals will come."

Watford manager Javi Gracia to BBC Sport: "After the game I think the point is good. But we wanted to win today. I think in the first half we had game under control and didn't suffer a lot.

"But in the second half when game was open, they created more chances than us.

"We tried but we didn't play offensively."

On the prospects of a top-half finish: "At the end of the season, I don't only want to see the table to be satisfied with my players. If we do our best, I think we have many chances to achieve something special. Not only if we finish ninth, 10th or 11th - other things are more important."

Gracia sets Premier League record for Watford - the stats

• Brighton have failed to score in three consecutive home games in all competitions (W0 D2 L1) for the first time since January 2016.

• This was Watford manager Javi Gracia's 39th Premier League game in charge of the Hornets, more than any other manager for the club in the competition.

• Watford failed to direct a single shot on target for the only the second time in their last 53 Premier League games, and for the first time in 11 in the competition.

• Brighton have never lost a Premier League game in February (W2 D2), one of just two teams to be unbeaten in a single month in the competition's history (Blackpool W2 D0 L0 in December).

• Two of Watford's last three Premier League games have finished goalless, as many as in their previous 57 in the competition.

• Brighton have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games, drawing three and losing six.

What's next?

Brighton travel to West Brom for an FA Cup fourth-round replay on Wednesday, 6 February (20:05 GMT). Watford host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, 9 February (15:00).