While Bournemouth didn't manage to leave Vicarage Road with a victory, a point away from home to a Watford side who recently turned over Manchester United is not one to be laughed at. The Cherries showed signs of consistency from their previous win against Everton, and overall, their 2-2 draw was a decent performance.
Positives
Artur Boruc's continuation of great form was the main positive from Saturday's clash. The Poland international's reputation is growing game by game and he is rapidly becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. The midfield trio of Jack Wilshere, Andrew Surman and Harry Arter is also starting to settle in nicely.
Negatives
The fact both key summer signings Jordon Ibe and Jack Wilshere are still not seen as adequate enough for the full 90 minutes by Eddie Howe is puzzling. Both full-backs still showed signs of defensive vulnerability as well.
Manager rating out of 10
9 -- It was the right decision to stick with the same lineup from the victory against Everton, and his decision to bring Josh King on proved pivotal in Bournemouth's ability to leave Watford with a point. The only complaint would be having Simon Francis on corner duty in the first half.
Player ratings: (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Artur Boruc, 8 -- The Cherries' shotstopper had another solid afternoon and played more than his part in preserving a draw for his team. He made a fantastic double save in the first half and was just as reliable in the second.
DF Adam Smith, 6 -- Smith was again very effective when bombing forward, especially in the later stages, but he still needs improvement defensively.
DF Simon Francis, 6 -- A satisfying performance from the Bournemouth skipper. He was dominant in the air but Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo exposed him on a number of occasions as he struggled to deal with the pace of Watford's front duo.
DF Steve Cook, 6 -- His last-ditch block in the opening minutes to deny Deeney of a shot on goal was typical of his performance. He was generally reliable in defence but his positioning could have perhaps been better.
DF Charlie Daniels, 6 -- Good at going forward but he was susceptible on the counterattack again. Watford's substitute Isaac Success had a lot of joy down his flank late on.
MF Jordon Ibe, 6 -- Another performance that showed a lot of promise but not much end product. Fantastic dribbling ability but his final ball was and is poor. Subbed in the second half.
MF Andrew Surman, 6 -- Worked hard in midfield and his passing was accurate as usual, but he was at fault for Watford's second goal with poor marking and an even worse attempt at trying to head the ball clear.
MF Harry Arter, 8 -- Another standout showing from Arter in the centre. Worked tremendously hard and was a threat going forward. Along with Boruc, he is the first name on the team sheet at the moment.
MF Jack Wilshere, 6 -- Performed well as a No. 10 in behind Callum Wilson up top, but his performance was overshadowed by a yellow card and missing an open goal late on to win the game.
MF Junior Stanislas, 8 -- Assisted Wilson's goal and was a constant threat. His tendency to cut inside from the wing worked to great effect and his set piece delivery was also fantastic.
FW Callum Wilson, 8 -- First-rate performance up top from Wilson and he took his goal well. Solid with his back to goal and also ran the channels well, constantly stretching the Watford back line.
Substitutes
MF Dan Gosling, NR -- Came on for Wilshere in the 74th minute and did nothing wrong. He was calm and composed.
FW Josh King, 9 -- He couldn't have had a better impact. Within seconds he dribbled his way past multiple defenders and sent a thunderous shot into Watford's net. Great impact sub.
FW Benik Afobe, NR -- Came on in the 91st minute for Wilson.