AITOR KARANKA has built the case for the defence but was provided further evidence how he needs to inject some life into his Middlesbrough attack.

Having earned impressive points on the road at Arsenal and Manchester City, Karanka selected a new-look three-man defence at Watford and once again returned home with a share of the spoils.

Frustrating the big-hitters and claiming a smash-and-grab is one thing, but Watford were there for the taking.

Middlesbrough have scored just 17 goals, the lowest tally in the top-flight, and are four points off safety. They have have also failed to scored in five of their past seven games.

But this was certainly a missed opportunity against a Watford side drained of confidence. Without the heroics of goalkeeper Victor Valdes it would have been a certain defeat as the visitors offered little threat going forward.

Karanka defended his tactics after shutting up shop.

“We need to know that it is difficult because we have a lot of games, “ said Karanka.

“With the transfer market again my club for example have the right people working who have especially a big part of working for the club, the players coming in and the players leaving the club.

“Since I arrived here because I’ve tried to build a unit with good foundations. When you have quality when you have that consistency you will win games and we are in that process. I try to get the best shape to win the games.

“We have a really consistent team and with adding experience and adding better players we will play better.

“Staying up was my aim and we are in a really good position and we have to keep going the way we are going.”

On an emotionally-charged day when Watford remembered former manager Graham Taylor, this bore draw will not last long in the memory as Middlesbrough stifled the life out of the game.

Cristhian Stuani should have done better than lob his effort not the roof of the net.

And besides a thunderous long-range Fabio da Silva effort, the only shot on target, that was turned aside by Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, there was little else of note.

Karanka had mitigating circumstances with Gaston Ramirez sidelined. But without Valdes, who saved from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Stefano Okaka, it would have been a different story.

When he was beaten by substitute Tom Cleverley in the 81st minute, he was rescued by his post.

Six minutes later he just about diverted Troy Deeney’s shot wide after the visitors’ defence, superbly marshalled by Callum Chambers, had been opened up for the first time.

Rudy Gestede, Boro’s new £7m signing from Aston Villa, made a record-breaking start but for all the wrong reasons. He has now played 32 games successive Premier League games without being on the winning side.

But he showed in his 25 minute cameo off the substitutes’ bench that he can ease the burden on the shoulders of six-goal top-scorer Alvaro Negredo.

“I’m happy to be here and it’s a good feeling to be back playing at the highest level again,” said Gestede.

“I’ve settled in well, the team is good and the spirit is good. It’s a positive result. When you are away and come back with a point you have to be happy. Watford played well, especially in the second half.

“It’s always better when you start with a win but hopefully next game at home we will get the three points.”

Gestede hopes to learn from Negredo and added: “He is a top class player and I will have to learn from him.”