Watford's Jay DeMerit claims his team are making it difficult for themselves as they try to gain a foothold in the Premiership.

"I think we put pressure on ourselves a lot," the Wisconsin-born defender told YA. "If we get chances in the game and we don't put them away then we have to play with pressure and that makes it a little harder on ourselves."

"If we can finish our chances early then we can settle into games and see them through."

The Hornets moved off the bottom of the top flight on goal difference following Saturday's 0-0 tie at home to Aston Villa, but five games into their Premiership adventure have yet to register a win.

"It is those three points we need," DeMerit confirmed. "All of a sudden you get a couple of three-point games and you find yourself back in mid-table and possibly higher."

"That is what we'll hope to do. The main thing is just finishing our chances."

The hero of the Championship promotion playoff final last season played at right back against the Villans - an unfamiliar position, but one he is happy to learn.

"With Malky (MacKay) in the middle, Aidy (Boothroyd) said he definitely wanted to keep me in the team if possible," explained DeMerit.

"It is not necessarily where I want to play, but if it keeps me on the field then I am willing to work on that because it is only going to make me a better player all around."

While Watford need to win above all, DeMerit remains content as a defender that other teams are not beating them.

"Villa was our first clean sheet of the campaign so far," he concluded. "That's what we, as a defense, need more of. If you want to do anything it is to make sure you draw the game."

"If you don't score, then make sure you get a 0-0 draw. That was another positive that we will take into Wigan on Saturday and hopefully get all three points."