Head coach Valerien Ismael compared the performance that earned a point against Southampton with the display that saw Watford beaten at Leeds to underline the progress they have made.

The Hornets finished well beaten in the 3-0 defeat at Elland Road on September 23, and barely laid a glove on the home side.

Less than three months later and Watford have drawn 1-1 at home with another team that came down from the Premier League, ending the day somewhat disappointed they didn’t take all three points.

“I am incredibly proud of the players,” said Ismael.

“The evolution of the team is there to see, when you draw comparisons between the Leeds game and today.

“Both are relegated teams from the Premier League, so you see clearly how our team has evolved.

“They showed big desire, and their mentality was monstrous again.”

The Watford boss says in the continual development of his squad, the next step is to make sure they take their chances when they come along.

“I thought before the goal we had two big chances to take the lead, first Ken Sema just before half time and then Yaser Asprilla, where the keeper I must say made a massive save,” he said.

“I think in our evolution, if we are to attack the teams at the top of the table, then we have to become more ruthless.

“I think now that is the last step in our evolution, and then we will be more ready to get the rewards in those games.

“You have to stay calm in games like that. You know the opponent is strong in possession, but we had our moments in transition.

“I think maybe, at some points in the first half, we were too hectic when we regained the ball and we were losing it too quickly.

“We spoke about that before the second half, to say that we needed more composure and to stay calm.

“We were well in the game, we played well, but we just needed to make sure that we made them defend. Give them the feeling that we could score at any time.”

It was another game where Watford and their fans had to wait until the fourth official had held up his board for a goal.

“In the Championship you always have to be patient,” said Ismael.

“There are so many games, it’s a long run, and every game has its own truths.

“We know everyone can play a part and the bench had a massive impact today to get the reward of one point, although there was the feeling we had the opportunity to get more.

“I always take every game as a learning step towards the next step, and we just keep looking forward and ahead.”