Watford are currently holding early Premier League leaders Manchester City to a goalless draw at the Etihad thanks to a resolute defensive showing.

The Citizens have had the best of the play and have gone closest, yet the Hornets have not been overrun at any stage, even managing a couple of forays in the hosts’ territory.

Matej Vydra returned to the bench after missing last Sunday’s goalless draw with Southampton, whilst Almen Abdi came into the side in the only change to Quique Sanchez Flores’ starting XI.

After a start which unsurprisingly saw the hosts dictate the tempo, Watford grew into the game and went closest in the 15th minute.

A Jose Manuel Jurado corner from the left was not dealt with by City, allowing Sebastian Prodl to scuff wide with the aid of a deflection for a second set play.

City retained a lingering threat, though, demonstrated when £49 million forward Raheem Sterling wriggled into the penalty area and saw a shot blocked well by Craig Cathcart.

Bacary Sagna was next to go close, the former Arsenal full-back dragging a low shot into the midriff of Heurelho Gomes after the Hornets failed to deal with a corner to the near post.

The home side went closer still seconds later as Sterling blasted past Allan Nyom before bringing an even better stop out of Gomes.

By now Manuel Pellegrini’s expensively-assembled side were well on top but failing to break down a resolute Watford side.

Seven minutes before half-time Sergio Aguero caught Abdi pondering in possession but could only last his snap-shot wide of Gomes’ left-hand post on the turn.

For the third time in as many games at thus stage, it's goalless.

Manchester City: Hart; Sagna, Mangala, Kompany, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Toure Yaya; Sterling, Silva, Navas; Aguero.

Manchester City substitutes: Caballero (GK), Maffeo, Delph, Demechelis, Nasri, Roberts, Iheanacho.

Watford: Gomes; Nyom, Prodl, Cathcart, Holebas; Capoue, Behrami; Jurado, Ighalo, Abdi; Deeney.

Watford substitutes: Arlauskis (GK), Vydra, Layun, Anya, Watson, Hoban, Diamanti.