Birmingham City and Watford played out a 1-1 draw at St Andrews after George Hall's strike was cancelled out by Rey Manaj.
The Hornets are one of just four Championship teams still unbeaten and sit one point off the top spot, whilst the Blues have had a mixed start to the season, this their second draw of the campaign alongside a defeat to Cardiff City and victory over Huddersfield Town.
Watford’s defensive liabilities
While Hall’s goal was only the second that the Hornets have conceded this season, they showed similar defensive fragilities to last season.
Francisco Sierralta was easily beaten to the ball by Scott Hogan,, while Craig Cathcart was caught slightly out of position. Christian Kabasele could not get close enough to the ball and Birmingham were able to take the lead.
On the whole, Watford did show some positives defensively, however the ability to concentrate and remain solid for 90 minutes will be crucial in their promotion bid.
Birmingham can be defensively compact
John Eustace has instilled a lot more defensive solidity at Birmingham City compared to Lee Bowyer’s side last season.
They will be relatively happy with their start to the season, where they have picked up a win and two draws, but it was their defensive shape which would have pleased Eustace most.
Watford struggled to break down the Blues’ back line, as it took a deflected Ken Sema strike to finally beat John Ruddy.
In terms of the transition between the defence, midfield and attack, there is still a lot to work on but it has been an encouraging start to the season for Birmingham.
Watford showed character
Like John Eustace, Rob Edwards is new to managing in the Championship this season.
Tactically, he will realise that both he and Watford still need to get better in order to take games away from teams, but he will be happy with the fight and character his side have shown in each game this season.
The Birmingham game was the first time this season that the Hornets were required to come from behind to try and get something out of the game and while they had to be patient, they eventually got their reward.
The performances will come with time, but Edwards is certainly setting up the foundations of a team that the Watford fans can get behind.
George Hall is a special talent
On his second appearance this season, the 18-year-old looked threatening throughout.
His goal was well taken and he showed a sense of maturity to have the composure to tuck it past the impressive Daniel Bachmann.
He is a player that has a bright future ahead of him and he could play a key role for the Blues this season.
Troy Deeney appreciated by both sets of fans
This game was the first time that Troy Deeney had come up against his former club, Watford.
Deeney is adored by Watford fans and left the club during the summer of 2021 to return to his boyhood club. When he was substituted, he came off to a rousing reception by both sets of fans.
It may not have worked out so far for him at St Andrews on the pitch, however both sets of fans will forever have Troy Deeney etched into the core of what their football clubs mean to them and their communities.