Watford 2-0 West Ham United
By Andy Lewers, Tales from the Vicarage Reporter
Watford returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 win against West Ham United, in David Moyes’ first game in charge of the Hammers.
Last week we were delighted to launch Tales from the Vicarage Volume 6; Rocket Men, with a very special live event at the Watford Palace Theatre. The night included plenty of nostalgic moments as the Rocket Men recalled their time with Watford FC with nothing but joy.
Despite an even start to the game Watford took the lead ten minutes in. A scuffed shot in the area from Gray fell kindly to Will Hughes, who with his first ever shot in the Premier League, fired the ball past the helpless Joe Hart.
Watford were pressing for a second and came agonisingly close after half an hour. Hart had to get down low to keep out Richarlison before Femenia's effort from the rebound was deflected wide.
Down the other end of the pitch Heurelho Gomes was doing his bit to maintain the Hornets' advantage. First a save from Kouyate before a miraculous triple save on the stroke of half time was met with similar celebrations to that of Hughes' goal.
West Ham came close to levelling the scores shortly after the restart. Kouyate however blasted his effort over the bar despite some good build-up play by Arnautovic.
Doucoure came close to doubling Watford's lead a minute later. His long range effort left Hart rooted to the spot, but sailed just wide of the goal.
West Ham were struggling to get out of their half as Watford pressed them high up the pitch. In a mesmerising ten minute spell the 'Orns dominated the Hammers which helped for an electric atmosphere under the lights.
It took a wonderful save from Hart to deny Mariappa, with a superb goal-line save before eventually Watford's pressure and dominance paid off.
West Ham made the crucial mistake of allowing Richarlison the time and space to run at the defence. The wonderkid seized his opportunity, headed straight for the penalty area and drilled a shot past Hart and into the net.
It was far from game over though, as Watford had surrendered a two goal lead against Everton in their last game. A goal for the Hammers would change everything and they came ever so close to making that a reality, had it not been for a wonderful goal-line clearance from the impressive Kabasele.
As the game wore on the Watford fans began to chant "Marco Silva, we want you to stay". In contrast, the West Ham fans were voicing their displeasure at their board and it was a reminder of how fortunate we are down at Watford.
With West Ham offering very little in front of goal, the game ended 2-0 and a comfortable win for the Hornets.
An excellent performance was rewarded with a much-needed three points. Watford were the more dominant side and took their chances well, though had it not been for Gomes in the Watford goal, things could have been very different.
We're back to winning ways and it feels great to have our confidence back before making the long trip up north to Newcastle next week.
Will Silva be in charge for that journey? Only time will tell.
You 'Orns.
Watford returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 win against West Ham United, in David Moyes’ first game in charge of the Hammers.
Last week we were delighted to launch Tales from the Vicarage Volume 6; Rocket Men, with a very special live event at the Watford Palace Theatre. The night included plenty of nostalgic moments as the Rocket Men recalled their time with Watford FC with nothing but joy.
You can buy your copy of Rocket Men here.
You can also purchase a copy of Rocket Men and the earlier editions of Tales from the Vicarage in The Hornets Shop. To find out exactly whereabouts in the store, click here.
With Marco Silva’s future in the balance following reports Everton have asked him to fill their vacant managerial post, nerves were high at Vicarage Road, as the ‘Orns looked to get back to winning ways following their defeat against Everton last time out.
Ten seconds into the game was all it took for Andy Carroll to leave his mark. Marvin Zeegelaar suffered a nose bleed following an elbow to the face from the West Ham striker which went unpunished.Despite an even start to the game Watford took the lead ten minutes in. A scuffed shot in the area from Gray fell kindly to Will Hughes, who with his first ever shot in the Premier League, fired the ball past the helpless Joe Hart.
Watford were pressing for a second and came agonisingly close after half an hour. Hart had to get down low to keep out Richarlison before Femenia's effort from the rebound was deflected wide.
Down the other end of the pitch Heurelho Gomes was doing his bit to maintain the Hornets' advantage. First a save from Kouyate before a miraculous triple save on the stroke of half time was met with similar celebrations to that of Hughes' goal.
West Ham came close to levelling the scores shortly after the restart. Kouyate however blasted his effort over the bar despite some good build-up play by Arnautovic.
Doucoure came close to doubling Watford's lead a minute later. His long range effort left Hart rooted to the spot, but sailed just wide of the goal.
West Ham were struggling to get out of their half as Watford pressed them high up the pitch. In a mesmerising ten minute spell the 'Orns dominated the Hammers which helped for an electric atmosphere under the lights.
It took a wonderful save from Hart to deny Mariappa, with a superb goal-line save before eventually Watford's pressure and dominance paid off.
West Ham made the crucial mistake of allowing Richarlison the time and space to run at the defence. The wonderkid seized his opportunity, headed straight for the penalty area and drilled a shot past Hart and into the net.
It was far from game over though, as Watford had surrendered a two goal lead against Everton in their last game. A goal for the Hammers would change everything and they came ever so close to making that a reality, had it not been for a wonderful goal-line clearance from the impressive Kabasele.
As the game wore on the Watford fans began to chant "Marco Silva, we want you to stay". In contrast, the West Ham fans were voicing their displeasure at their board and it was a reminder of how fortunate we are down at Watford.
With West Ham offering very little in front of goal, the game ended 2-0 and a comfortable win for the Hornets.
An excellent performance was rewarded with a much-needed three points. Watford were the more dominant side and took their chances well, though had it not been for Gomes in the Watford goal, things could have been very different.
We're back to winning ways and it feels great to have our confidence back before making the long trip up north to Newcastle next week.
Will Silva be in charge for that journey? Only time will tell.
You 'Orns.