Watford defender Jeremy Ngakia found the goalless draw against Hull City “a tough one to take” on a cold Sunday afternoon (December 11).

With clear-cut chances at a premium during the first half, the match opened up following the interval with the Hornets coming close through Rey Manaj and Yáser Asprilla in a closely-fought contest, although the match ended deadlocked.

Making only his second start this season, the marauding right-back felt the Hornets created enough to warrant more than the solitary point.

Ngakia began: “It was a tough one to take for us because I feel like we created enough good chances to come away with three points, but sometimes this happens in football. We have to move on quickly.

“I felt in the second half the game got a bit more open, which normally happens to be honest.

“Once we got into the mood we were much better, but I think we need to do that from the off. We need to get to that quicker.

“[Slaven Bilić] told us to try our best to join the attack when we can and be smart, but overall we’re not happy to come away with just one point.”

Looking ahead, Ngakia feels the World Cup-induced break will be beneficial in the long run as the full-back hopes to maintain his place in the starting XI following the intermission.

He continued: “We worked hard during the World Cup break and we didn’t really have a rest. We’re ready to attack the rest of the season.

“I’ve missed it a lot, playing in the stadium in front of fans. It’s a different feeling and I can’t describe it sometimes. I’ve missed it a lot and I can’t wait to continue.”