Premier League
West Ham United 2-4 Watford 

Saturday, 10th September 2016
by Staff Writer

West Ham slipped to a third defeat in four at the hands of Watford this afternoon - despite having led 2-0 at one stage.

Having been dumped out of Europe by Romanian minnows Astra Giurgiu before suffering defeat in two of their opening three Premier League fixtures, it was imperative that Slaven Bilic and his team got back on the winning track against the (winless prior to today) Hornets this afternoon.

And for much of the first half it looked like mission accomplished as the Hammers surged into a two-goal lead through a brace of Michail Antonio headers - the second via a sublime piece of skill from Dimitri Payet.




But with half time less than five minutes away Odion Ighalo was allowed to halve the deficit before a dreadful mix-up between Adrian and James Collins allowed Watford captain Troy Deeney to equalise from an acute angle with virtually the last kick of the half.

Whatever Bilic said to his team during the interval was clearly less effective that the talk given by his opposite number Walter Mazzarri, as goals from Etienne Capoue and Jose Holebas completed an amazing turnaround for the visitors.




Sadly the match itself proved to be only half the story, as violent skirmishes between home fans and clashing sets of supporters once again broke out around the stadium throughout the game in both the lower and upper tiers.

And whilst home fans at either end of the ground were treated with a heavy hand and ordered to sit or be ejected, away fans - situated an aisle away - were allowed to stand throughout the game.




West Ham Utd: Adrian, Byram (Tore 84), Collins, Reid, Masuaku, Noble (Calleri 68), Kouyate, Antonio, Lanzini, Payet, Zaza (Fletcher 76).

Subs not used: Randolph, Nordtveit, Obiang, Ogbonna.

Goals: Antonio (5, 33).

Booked: Zaza, Byram.

Watford: Gomes, Cathcart, Kaboul (Prodl 81), Britos, Janmaat, Capoue, Pereyra, Behrami, Holebas, Deeney (Okaka 77), Ighalo (Success 68).

Subs not used: Pantilimon (GK), Zuniga, Watson, Guedioura.

Goals: Ighalo (41), Deeney (45+2), Capoue (53), Holebas (63).

Referee: Martin Atkinson.

Attendance: 56,974.

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Player Ratings

Darren Randolph
Rarely called into action but more than capable when asked to do so. A nice easy start to the season for one of the RoI's Euro 16 heroes.


Michail Antonio
Looked accomplished at full back tonight, as he had very little defending to do. Sterner tests will follow for Antonio, as will the inevitable qeustions regarding his suitability for the role.


Sam Byram
Sam endured a torried time in the first leg so it was pleasing to see him put in a solid performance tonight in an unfamiliar position.


Winston Reid
Calm, assured and willing to put the boot in when required - just what you want from a centre half.


Reece Oxford
Another youngster to shine on the big night. The Ox was an able partner to the more experienced Reid but also capable of turning defence into attack with some delightful flighted dellveries.


Havard Nordtveit
Another player making his debut, the Norwegian had a fairly quiet first half but came alive in the second. He also showed some lovely footwork as the game reached its closing stages; another impressive start.


Cheikhou Kouyate
A classy performance from a very important player. Payet and Noble drew the plaudits last season but it was Kouyate that kept the midfield ticking over. Tonight he takes the acclaim for two goals that steered West Ham into the next round of the competition.


Mark Noble
Solid and combative as per usual, his most notable contribution was the superb delivery for Feghouli's goal. Should be a shoo-in for Allarduce's next squad, at this rate.


Andy Carroll
The big man put himself about well and played an important role in both of Kouyate's goals. He still seems a little of the pace, thought that's not unusual at this stage of the season.


Sofiane Feghouli
An impressive start for the winger, who may well have taken the Man of the Match award were it not for Kouyate's two-goal haul. He ran at Domzale's defence all night and was finally rewarded with a goal that sealed the win.


Enner Valencia
Whilst you can certainly question the ability, there can be no doubt that Valencia gave 100 per cent for West Ham tonight - the sort of attitude his former striker partner would do well to take note of.



Substitutes

Pedro Obiang
Long linked with a move away from the club but given a positive reception upon his introduction by the crowd. Another who seems determined to work through his difficulties.


Domingos Quina
A nice little two-minute caneo to introduce him to the West Ham family.


Ashley Fletcher
See above, just for half the time...


Adrian San Miguel Del Castillo



Reece Burke



Lewis Page



Josh Cullen




Match Facts

West Ham United: Darren Randolph, Michail Antonio, Sam Byram, Winston Reid, Reece Oxford, Havard Nordtveit, Cheikhou Kouyate, Mark Noble, Andy Carroll, Sofiane Feghouli, Enner Valencia.

Goals: Cheikhou Kouyate 8 Cheikhou Kouyate 22 Sofiane Feghouli 81              .

Booked: Michail Antonio  Sofiane Feghouli  Enner Valencia       .

Sent Off: None sent off.     .

Watford: Marava, Brachi, Dobrovoljc, Horic, Balkovec, Morel, Horvat, Majer, Crnic, Alvir, Mance.

Subs not used: Milic, Vetrih, Repas, Blazic.

Goals: n/a.

Booked: Crnic, Balkovec, Horic.

Sent off: None.

Referee: Fredy Fautrel.

Attendance: 54,000.

Man of the Match: Cheikhou Kouyate.