West Ham got back to winning ways in the Premier League as Jarrod Bowen’s deflected goal secured all three points against Watford.
Said Benrahma struck a snatched first half effort at Watford’s Ben Foster before sending the follow-up onto the post, in the best opening for either side across a first half short of action.
It was going to take a touch of fortune to break the deadlock in this drab affair and it fell Bowen’s way, his speculative long-range effort clipping off the inside of Samir’s leg and past a helpless Foster.
Bowen saw an effort then tipped onto the post by Foster after cutting inside, but his one strike was enough to send West Ham back into the top four.
Here is how Jack Rosser rated the Hammers…
Lukasz Fabianski 6
Didn’t have single save to make all evening. Rushed off his line to deal with a Watford attack swiftly.
Vladimir Coufal 7
Largely kept Emmanuel Dennis and Joshua King in check throughout but struggled to pose a threat going forward.
Craig Dawson 7
Facing his former side and offered a reminder of why they may have been silly to let him go, marshaled the Watford forwards well.
Kurt Zouma 6
Shouldn’t have had the chance to be on the pitch but managed to stay focused despite all going on. Played within himself, however.
Aaron Cresswell 7
West Ham encountered no trouble down Cresswell’s side and the full-back delivered some dangerous crosses.
Declan Rice 7
Defended superbly but couldn’t have his usual driving impact going forward.
Tomas Soucek 6
Controlled midfield alongside Rice but, as has been the case this season, his attacking threat left something to be desired.
Jarrod Bowen 8
West Ham’s main man once again. A constant threat for Watford and the only one really getting into dangerous positions.
Said Benrahma 6
His first Premier League game back after the AFCON. Snatched at his chances but took up good positions.
Pablo Fornals 6
Combative off the ball and looking a touch sharper than before the break, struggled to create much however.
Michail Antonio 6
Constantly battled with the Watford defenders but was left with little service.
Substitutes
Manuel Lanzini 6
Injected some life into the attacking play and claimed an assist for Bowen’s goal.
