Daily WHUFC News - 12th February 2018

Chicharito & Arnautovic fire Hammers to Watford win
WHUFC.com

West Ham United 2 – 0 Watford
Premier League

Chicharito and Marko Arnautovic struck either side of half-time to fire West Ham United back to winning ways at London Stadium on Saturday. The Hammers duo scored the vital goals to see off a Hornets side fresh from beating Chelsea 4-1 earlier in the week, taking each of their tallies to seven for the season in the process.
Chicharito showed unerring accuracy to convert a Michail Antonio cross seven minutes before the interval, and although Watford upped the pressure after the interval, West Ham stood firm and made sure of the points 12 minutes from the end. Arnautovic was the goalscorer, sweeping home from close range to mark his return from injury in style and sent the vast majority of the crowd home happy The Hammers were handed a pre-match boost by Marko Arnautovic's return to fitness, and the Austria international was straight back into the starting XI after missing the previous three games with a hamstring injury. It was the visitors who threatened first, though, and Adrian had to be on his toes to push Adrian Mariappa's goalbound header away with seven minutes played after Watford played a corner short and Jose Holebas delivered from the left. Four minutes later Arnautovic showed the home crowd exactly what they had been missing during his time on the sidelines as he danced into the box with his quick feet. He went down and could well have been fouled, but the ball broke for Joao Mario who took the shot on, but was denied by keeper Orestis Karnezis' legs. The Hammers were pressing their visitors well and thought they had taken the lead just after the half hour when Chicharito rose to head Mario's free-kick home, only for the celebrations to be cut short by the linesman's flag. That sparked the best spell of action of the opening period, with Adrian holding on to Etienne Capoue's fierce drive at the second attempt moments later. With 37 minutes on the clock Arnautovic really should have capped a fine half with a goal when James Collins' header picked him out. The crowd waited for the net to bulge, but Karnezis was in the way. It was not to matter though, as less than a minute later Antonio opened his legs to sprint past Daryl Janmaat and deliver the perfect cross for Chicharito to plant his header beyond Karnezis.

Eleven minutes after the interval Adrian had to be watchful again to stop Gerard Deulofeu's dipping free-kick. Watford were cranking up the pressure, but at the same time the Hammers could try to hit their visitors on the break and Chicharito twice went close to doubling the advantage with 71 minutes on the clock, first almost walking the ball in after breaking the offside trap, and then coming inches away from picking out Arnautovic with a low cross-shot. Seven minutes later the hosts made the game safe, Aaron Cresswell's determination following a short corner allowing him to charge down Holebas' attempted clearance, deflecting the ball into Arnautovic's path for a simple finish.

West Ham United: Adrian, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble (c), Antonio, Mario (Bryam 77), Arnautovic (Rice 84), Chicharito (Hugill 88)
Subs: Hart, Evra, Fonte, Cullen
Goal: Chicharito 38, Arnautovic 78
Booked: Zabaleta

Watford: Karnezis, Mariappa, Prodl, Holebas, Janmaat, Capoue, Doucoure, Zeegelar (Pereyra 56), Deulofeu (Lukebakio 75), Richarlison, Deeney (c)
Subs: Bachmann, Ndong, Gray, Carrillo, Mukena

Referee: Graham Scott
Attendance: 56,917

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'Hungry' Arnautovic delighted with goalscoring return
WHUFC.com

Marko Arnautovic praised both West Ham United's medical staff and his teammates after making a triumphant return to action in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League win over Watford. The Austrian scored on his comeback, less than a month after suffering a hamstring injury in an Emirates FA Cup tie with Shrewsbury Town, to help the Hammers complete a vital victory at London Stadium. Arnautovic was full of praise for the rehabilitation and fitness coaches who nursed him back to health in double-quick time, before adding warm words for the defensive colleagues who were the foundation for a hard-earned clean sheet. "I was already hungry when I was out injured," said the No7, who netted West Ham's second goal 12 minutes from full-time after Chicharito had given his side a first-half lead. "I was doing a lot of things outside the pitch in my rehab and my people helped me a lot to come back as quickly as possible. "I came back quickly, nobody expected this quick, but I was very hungry and today the best place to be was on the pitch and when I'm on the pitch I try to give everything for the team and try to win games. "Watford kept the ball a lot in the second half because they needed to score a goal, but they didn't have a chance where they had to score. Our defence was brilliant and when you look at our counter-attacks and our chances, we should take this game by a far and away. "Of course, my goal was the second goal so it was important because it finished the game, but it's done now. We have three points and we keep moving on."

Arnautovic was outstanding and could easily have earned his side a penalty with the game still goalless when he was clearly fouled by Adrian Mariappa after slaloming into the Watford box. The Austrian felt referee Graham Scott got the decision wrong, but did not want to dwell on the controversy. "It was 100 per cent a penalty. I'm not a player who falls down. They need to kick me to make me fall down, so it was a penalty but the referee didn't see it. "I don't want to talk about what's in the past. We won this game and we are very happy with this three points and we keep moving."

Arnautovic has now scored seven goals in his last nine Premier League appearances and hopes his form will silence the critics who wrote him off after a challenging start to his career in Claret and Blue. "I don't want to keep talking about myself. It was a tough beginning at the Club but I want just to show the critical people, all the people who don't think I'm good, that I'm good and I want to give everything for this Club, that's why I play football. "I'm surprised some people don't like me! I think I have a good heart, so they should like me!"

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Making the most of it: How West Ham punished Watford
WHUFC.com

West Ham United proved in their 2-0 Premier League victory over Watford that it is not having possession of the football that is important, but what you do with the football when you have it. The Hammers were in possession for just 35.8 per cent of Saturday's win, as opposed to the Hornets' 64.2 per cent, making just 243 passes to Watford's 443. West Ham completed just 61 per cent of their passes – 149 in total – in comparison to Watford's 73 per cent – 324 in total. Overall, West Ham touched the ball just 478 times in comparison to Watford's 656. So, when you heard David Moyes demand more from his team, despite seeing them pick up a seventh Premier League victory of the season and keep a first top-flight clean sheet since the 3-0 win at Stoke City on 16 December, these statistics will help you understand why. Moyes wants his team to play better, more accurate, attractive, incisive football, but with creator-in-chief Manuel Lanzini out injured, the Hammers adapted to the circumstances of Saturday's game and found a way to win.

The hosts' opening goal was characteristic of West Ham's more direct approach, with Michail Antonio picking possession up near the left touchline on halfway, powering past Daryl Janmaat with a combination of pace, power and a stepover before crossing perfectly for Chicharito to head past Orestis Karnezis. Holding the advantage, West Ham sat back, got themselves organised and played on the counter-attack for virtually the whole second half. While the opening 45 minutes was an even affair territory-wise – each team spent 24 per cent of the game in the attacking third, with 52 per cent of play in the middle third – Watford went on the offensive as they sought an equaliser, with 35.5 per cent of play in West Ham's defensive third after the break. As the below graphic shows, Watford also dominated possession of the ball in the second period.

However, Javi Gracia's side were unable to fashion a way past Adrian and his determined defence, who combined to make an amazing 29 clearances in the closing 45 minutes – four more than Watford made in the entire match! And at the other end of the pitch, West Ham made the most of their intermittent forays forward, scoring a match-clinching second goal as the indirect result of one of those counter-attacks. Marko Arnautovic was both the instigator and the goalscorer, attempted to send Chicharito clear with a skilful pass with the outside of his right foot that Jose Holebas could only head behind for a corner. From Aaron Cresswell's short flag kick to Michail Antonio, the ball fell back to the No3, whose initial cross was spilled by Karnezis. Dodi Lukebakio's attempted clearance hit Cresswell on the right leg and flew straight to Arnautovic, who controlled instantly before passing the ball into the net from six yards. Fortunate, maybe, but the result of West Ham turning defence into attack and making the most of their time in Watford territory.

Yes, Moyes wants his team to play with more poise, but this was a victory based on resilient, organised defending and an ability to turn limited possession into chances and goals – jobs his players did very effectively indeed.

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Chicharito: It was a perfect day
WHUFC.com

Chicharito hailed the perfect day as he scored his seventh goal of the season and West Ham United claimed a vital 2-0 victory over Watford at London Stadium.
The Mexico striker opened the scoring for the Hammers against the Hornets, beating Marvin Zeegelaar to head home from Michail Antonio's cross. It got better for the home side after the break when Chicharito's strike partner Marko Arnautovic doubled the advantage and he was delighted to help the team bounce back from last weekend's defeat to Brighton in the best possible way. "It was the perfect afternoon," the No17 smiled. "Compared to the last game that we lost at Brighton, thankfully today with our fans we did a pretty good performance. "Not only did Marko and I score, but the whole team ran with high intensity and we showed that we wanted the three points. "Three points are three points whoever they come against, and we need to keep going day-by-day and game-by-game because every game is going to be a final. "We have a little break [between fixtures] now, which will give the players who have been playing the chance to have a little rest and for the other players to get fitter, so everybody is going to be healthier and the manager can decide who will start."

Chicharito enjoyed linking up with Arnautovic, with both players taking their tallies to seven for the campaign at the top of the Hammers' scoring charts. "Marko is an unbelievable, all-around player and it gives you a lot of confidence when you play up front with a player like him, or like Joao or Manu," he added. "We have a good understanding with each other and both of us scored today. That's a good thing for a striker."

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Moyes says outstanding Arnautovic 'can get even better'
WHUFC.com

Demanding David Moyes was begrudging in his praise for Marko Arnautovic after the Austrian marked his comeback from a hamstring injury with a match-winning display in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory over Watford. Arnautovic was at his hard-working, dominating best against the Hornets, highlighting an outstanding personal performance with his side's vital second goal 12 minutes from time. Manager Moyes was impressed, but is demanding more from his attacking talisman after seeing him fire one gilt-edged chance straight at Watford goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis with the game still goalless. He's not getting any praise, that's for sure!" the Scot said, only half-joking. "He's getting told he has got to keep at it and he's getting pushed all the way! We're telling him he is doing well for us, but he's not getting off the hook. I think he's got a bit to go. "He's only trained three days this week, to be fair, and you can see the difference he makes to us going forward. He's got power, pace and quality on the ball and he's doing a really good job. I told him he should have scored more goals, but he should also have had a penalty kick for a foul on him in the first half. "Was it a risk? I didn't feel it was a risk because he gives me all the right vibes. It was about what condition he was in physically and if you have him in the right frame of mind, he's very difficult to play against. He did well. He is a real threat. "When he came in with that new hairdo on Thursday I didn't want to say it looked bad, so I told him 'I think that looks great Marko' and he went away happy. I thought it was a purple rinse he had put in there!"
David Moyes joked that he told Marko Arnautovic he liked his new peroxide blond hair colour! Talking about his team's performance as a whole, Moyes was pleased with the way they dealt with a Watford side who had thrashed the champions just five days earlier. Three points saw the Hammers draw level with the eleventh-place Hornets on 30 points and close the gap on the top eight to just six. "This Watford team just beat Chelsea 4-1 on Monday. They put us under pressure in the second half, so this was always going to be a difficult game for us. "For us to draw level with them [is good], as Watford have always been above us, certainly since my first game [at Vicarage Road in November], we've never been level with them or close to Watford. Today we've drawn level with them. "People say we're quite close to the bottom end and we're totally conscious of that, but we're also pretty close to ninth, tenth and eleventh as well, so we've got to keep thinking that way if we can."

West Ham have now lost just four of their 13 home Premier League games this season, and just one out of eight since Moyes took charge in early November.
"I hope that's the case and I think it sometimes goes amiss that we kept a clean sheet as well. We've got goals in us, but the thing for us was to stop West Ham conceding goals and I think we've done a good job in making us harder to play against. Because of that, it's helped us. "The only real disappointment was [a 3-2 defeat on 23 December] by Newcastle. We had a couple of draws when people were out of the team, but thankfully we're getting players back and they are certainly made an impact against Watford."

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Stobbs stars as Ladies seal semi-final spot
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies secured their spot in the semi-finals of the FA Women's Premier League Plate with an emphatic 7-0 thrashing of Keynsham Town on Sunday afternoon. Amber Stobbs was the Hammers' star, bagging a hat-trick, while there was a double for Leanne Mabey and a goal for Kelly Wealthall. The hosts' seventh was an unfortunate own goal at Keynsham's expense. Karen Ray – the side's interim manager – watched her side race out the blocks as they took the lead after just five minutes. Wealthall was slipped through on goal and, on the right side of the box, she slotted into the far corner with ease. The forward nearly had her second seven minutes later but saw her effort well saved, however it was soon two. Mabey was this time scorer, rising highest from a lovely Dayna Chong corner to head home. Keynsham went close to getting themselves back in the game on the half hour mark, but goalkeeper Grace Staunton saved well before a combination of Chenise Austin and Hannah Wheeler scrambled off the line.

Mabey made it 3-0 on 32 minutes. Picking the ball up wide on the left-hand-side, the full-back curled into the box but her centre was struck with power and caught the goalkeeper out as it floated into the top of the net. Stobbs got off the mark two minutes later as the hosts got a fourth. A lovely pass from Andrea Georgiou slipped in the midfielder, who – keeping her composure – rounded the keeper smartly and slipped into the empty goal. Seven minutes before the break, West Ham were well out of sight as they made it five. Stobbs again was the woman left celebrating after smashing in the goal of the day. Finding herself some space on the right-hand-side and 25 yards from goal, she lined up a driving effort which crashed into the top of the net and West Ham were 5-0 up. Into the second half, Wealthall nearly had her second – first she celebrated finding the net before the offside flag ruled a sixth out, before moments later her attempt from ten yards was deflected onto the bar. The Hammers had to wait 35 second half minutes, in fact, for their sixth goal. It came in familiar fashion – Stobbs was slipped in on goal, before going round the keeper and side-footing in. And there was time for one more, as sub Molly Peters put a Keynsham defender under some serious pressure, resulting in the visiting player passing past her own keeper into the net to make it 7-0. The win sees West Ham head into the last four of the FA Women's Premier League Plate competition.

West Ham United: Staunton, Mackie (Burr 46), Mabey, Wheeler, Austin, Cooper, Georgiou, Chong, Stobbs, Zoepfl (Peters 46), Wealthall (R. Kmita 65).
Subs not used: Auguste, M. Kmita.

Goals: Wealthall 5, Mabey 18, 32, Stobbs 34, 38, 79, OG 84

Keynsham Town: Christer, Bryant, Radburn, Grogan, Brown, Cullen, Munro, Cristina, Bartlett, Horton, White.
Subs not used: Dauibs, Abi-Buas.

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West Ham United 2-0 Watford
By Neil Johnston
BBC Sport

Before this game, West Ham hadn't won any of their five previous games in which Javier Hernandez had scored this season Manager David Moyes says he is targeting a top-10 finish after his West Ham side put further distance between themselves and the relegation zone with victory over Watford. Moyes took over the Hammers in November when they were 18th in the table with nine points from 11 games. Goals by Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic took them to 30 points - five above the relegation zone and just one behind 10th-placed Bournemouth. "When I took over we were in the relegation zone and I'd have said 'you're kidding' if you'd said we could get into the top 10," said the former Manchester United boss. "It's great credit to the players. We want to keep improving. There's not that big a points difference between 11th, 10th and ninth."
Mexico forward Hernandez, who had earlier had a goal ruled out for offside, took advantage of Marvin Zeegelaar's slip to power home Michail Antonio's cross.
Austria forward Arnautovic, back in the side after three games out with a hamstring injury, marked his return with a tap-in to double the lead at London Stadium.
Watford, who remain 11th, went close through Adrian Mariappa's header and Gerard Deulofeu's free-kick but Adrian was equal to both efforts. "We were very soft in the first half and didn't create many clear chances during the game," said Hornets boss Javier Gracia.

Welcome win for Moyes
The build-up to this game was overshadowed by speculation over the future of Hammers boss David Moyes, who only took charge in November. Four games without a win, including an FA Cup exit at League One Wigan, had split fans but co-owner David Sullivan said before kick-off that he hoped the Scot would stay as the club's manager for "many years".
Whether he does remains to be seen but this result will have appeased some of those who were beginning to doubt Moyes, who had new signing Patrice Evra on the substitutes bench. His fifth win in 16 league games in charge was the result of a hard-working performance, inspired by a wonderful display by Arnautovic. In addition to their two goals, West Ham were denied a penalty when Mariappa clattered Arnautovic, while Hornets keeper Orestis Karnezis also denied the former Stoke City player with a fine save before the big number seven eventually scored. "We have threats in attacking areas - Hernandez, Antonio and Arnautovic - which ultimately hurt them in the end," added Moyes.

Gracia's first Premier League defeat
Watford had arrived at London Stadium on the back of a morale-boosting 4-1 win over champions Chelsea. Yet their form away from Vicarage Road remains a concern. It is three months since the Hornets last won on the road, while the team that put three past 10-man Chelsea in the space of six minutes last Monday have not managed an away goal since 2 January. What will hurt manager Gracia more is that this defeat was self-inflicted.

Garcia bemoans 'soft' Watford performance

Zeegelaar's unfortunate slip allowed Hernandez to open the scoring before a series of defensive failures led to Arnautovic doubling the lead from close range. "The problem today wasn't a striker who will score," added Gracia. "We have Troy Deeney, we have other players. Today we didn't create clear chances." Gracia and his players will be relieved that their next two games are at home.

Man of the match - 'He scares defenders'
Marko Arnautovic (left) produced a performance full of quality and endeavour, and thoroughly deserved his goal. He has had a hand in 10 goals in his past nine
Premier League games for West Ham (seven goals, three assists)

Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy: I felt when Arnautovic played in wide areas at Stoke he spent too much energy tracking back. David Moyes has recognised to play him up front. What he gives them is a presence, thev've lacked that. He can see a pass, dribble and score a goal. He's had time out but looked sharp. He scares defenders and they look a different team when he's playing.

Home and away - the stats
West Ham have gone five games without defeat at the London Stadium in all competitions for the first time.
Watford are winless in their past seven Premier League away games, failing to score on five occasions in that run.
Javier Hernandez has scored in three of his past four Premier League games for West Ham (three goals), as many as he had scored in his opening 17 this season (four goals).
The Hammers kept their first clean sheet since December (3-0 at Stoke), ending a run of eight games in which they had conceded.

What's next?
Both West Ham and Watford have two weeks to prepare for their next league games as they have both been knocked out of the FA Cup. Both face Merseyside opposition next in the Premier League.

The Hammers travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on 24 February (15:00 GMT), while Watford entertain Everton on the same day (17:30 GMT).

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WEST HAM 2-0 WATFORD – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 10 FEBRUARY 2018 AT 6:18PM
TheWestHamWayc.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican

West Ham United secured a much-needed three points this afternoon, as they returned to the London Stadium for a Premier League tie against a Watford side still riding a wave of confidence from their 4-1 win over Chelsea on Monday. Goals by Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic were enough to get the hosts through during a period where the entire bottom ten of the Premier League is in a relegation battle.

After an embarrassing defeat at Brighton, West Ham supporters were enthused once the team sheet was released and Arnautovic, Michail Antonio, and Joao Mario were all in the starting XI. With those three aiding Chicharito, there was good hope that the Hammers would show some creativity in the attacking third that was missing during last week's disaster in the south.

Early on it was Watford with the attempt as Adrian had to save a dangerous header from Adrian Mariappa. Joao Mario tried to answer at the other end, but Orestis Karnezis was able to block.

The London Stadium thought they had an early lead when Chicharito scored midway through the opening half, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call.
Finally, in the 38th minute Antonio drove down the left channel and crossed to Hernandez who headed in the opening goal from ten yards out. The second half saw Adrian not in too much peril. A well-placed free kick from Deulofeu was knocked clear by the diving Spaniard, but otherwise West Ham's defenders earned their clean sheet.

In his first match back since mid-January, Arnautovic sealed the deal for the hosts as he stole a rebound in the area and scored from inside the six yard box.
With the victory, West Ham find themselves with 30 points and level with Watford. Sadly, the relegation mark keeps creeping up, as the Hammers are only safe by five points. What we have seen this season, since the hiring of David Moyes, is that this club will be successful so long as Arnautovic is on the pitch. With a week off to prepare for a late-February trip to Anfield, hopefully Manuel Lanzini can return to action. Surviving relegation this season will completely depend on the health and form of their top scorers. Even in victory Watford held a clear advantage in time of possession. For a team that sits back and waits, the ability to run counters is the whole hope of victory. A much more healthy first team (without any domestic cup matches remaining) gives hope heading into a dangerous three months. For the remainder of the 2017-18 season the battle to watch will be at the bottom of the table.

West Ham: Adrian, Cresswell, Collins, Ogbonna, Zabaleta, Noble, Joao Mario, Kouyate, Antonio, Arnautovic, Hernandez.
Subs; Hart, Rice (84'), Fonte, Cullan, Byram (77'), Evra, Hugill (88')

Watford: Karnezis, Janmaat, Prodl, Mariappa, Zeegelaar, Holebas, Capoue, Doucoure, Richarlison, Deulofeu, Deeney.
Subs: Bachman, Ndong, Gray (82'), Lukebakio (75'), Carrillo, Pereya (56'), Mukena

Referee: Graham Scott
Attendance: 56,197

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Sullivan issues appeal to fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 10th February 2018
By: Staff Writer

Co-chairman David Sullivan has appeared in a video appealing to supporters for "unity". In a week in which it was confirmed that thousands of West Ham United supporters are preparing to take part in an anti-Board march next month, the 68-year-old pleaded with the club's fans to give his regime more time to deliver upon their promises. "I want to speak directly to the supporters and say how important it is we all pull together during these times," Sullivan said during his seven-minute missive. "We accept there's been failures and I just want to speak to supporters frankly and tell them what's been going on."
Although Sullivan - who repeatedly referred to his love for the club - failed to explain which particular areas he feels he and his fellow Board members have fallen short in, he insisted that steps were being taken behind the scenes in order to improve the situation. "We are listening," he said. "We're starting to meet supporters' groups but it's very hard to meet everybody and see what they all want. We're trying to do what we can. I know the fans are not happy and that makes me unhappy. The supporters want more ups than downs but we had too many downs and we've got to do better."
One of the major changes planned is for Sullivan, who has essentially been acting as the club's Director of Football to no longer be involved with transfers and "delegate" all responsibility - with a complete overhaul of the transfer policy promised, just days after former Head of Recruitment Tony Henry was dismissed for employing a racist recruitment policy.
Sulivan also added that he "hopes we'll spend our money better", wants David Moyes to remain at the club "for many, many years" and insisted that he would try to make the oft-criticised Olympic Stadium "a bit better".

You may listen to the full interview on the club's website.

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West Ham 2-0 Watford: Marko Arnautovic helps Hammers win
By James Walker-Roberts
Last Updated: 10/02/18 8:33pm
SSN

Marko Arnautovic scored on his return from injury as West Ham boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 win over Watford on Saturday. Javier Hernandez gave the Hammers the lead at the London Stadium when he headed home in the 38th minute. Arnautovic, who was the Hammers' standout player in his first appearance since January 20, then made sure of victory when he finished from close range in the 78th minute.

Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (6), Cresswell (7), Collins (7), Ogbonna (6), Zabaleta (6), Noble (7), Joao Mario (7), Kouyate (6), Antonio (7), Arnautovic (8), Hernandez (7)
Subs: Byram (5), Rice (5), Hugill (5)

Watford: Karnezis (5), Janmaat (5), Prodl (5), Mariappa (5), Zeegelaar (5), Holebas (5), Capoue (5), Doucoure (5), Richarlison (5), Deulofeu (5), Deeney (5)
Subs: Pereyra (5), Lukebakio (5), Gray (5)

Man of the match: Marko Arnautovic

Watford were looking to build on their 4-1 win over Chelsea on Monday, but rarely threatened as they slipped to their eighth defeat in their last 12 matches. The result sees West Ham - for whom new signing Patrice Evra was an unused substitute - move alongside Watford in the Premier League table on 30 points, with both sides five points above the relegation zone. It also provides a timely boost for David Moyes, who lost his first game in charge of the Hammers 2-0 at Watford and whose future at the club was the subject of speculation during the week. Watford were the first to threaten as Adrian kept out a header from Adrian Mariappa in the eighth minute, before Joao Mario saw a shot saved at the other end after some slick footwork from Arnautovic. West Ham improved as the first half wore on and went close as Hernandez had a goal ruled out for offside and then Arnautovic missed a clear opening from eight yards out when he shot at Orestis Karnezis.
The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute when Antonio skipped past Daryl Janmaat on the left and crossed for Hernandez to head in from 10 yards out.

Watford pressed more in the second half but failed to create any clear chances. Adrian was only called into action to palm clear a free-kick from Deulofeu, while Hernandez spurned chances to score West Ham's second as he over-ran the ball in the box and then saw a shot tipped away by Karnezis. Arnautovic eventually made sure of victory for the Hammers in the 78th minute as he finished from close range after Jose Holebas' attempted clearance rebounded into the six-yard area.

Opta stats
West Ham have gone five games without defeat at the London Stadium in all competitions for the first time (W3 D2).
Watford are winless in their last seven Premier League away games (D1 L6), failing to score on five occasions in that run.
Javier Hernandez has scored in three of his last four Premier League games for West Ham (3 goals), as many as he'd scored in in his opening 17 this season (4 goals).
Marko Arnautovic has had a hand in 10 goals in his last nine Premier League games for West Ham (7 goals 3 assists).
The Hammers kept their first clean sheet since December (3-0 at Stoke), ending a run of eight games in which they had conceded.

Chris Kamara says Watford didn't create enough chances in what was a comfortable 2-0 win for West Ham at the London Stadium.
Man of the match - Marko Arnautovic
Making his first appearance since January 20, Arnautovic wasted no time in getting back into his stride. He was West Ham's most creative player and regularly threatened with the ball at his feet, showing some clever touches and quick footwork to escape challenges. He capped off a fine individual display with a routine finish from close range.

Manager reaction
David Moyes on Arnautovic: "He's getting no praise. He'll be told to keep at it, he'll keep getting pushed all the way. We are not letting him off the hook, he's got a bit to go. He only trained for three days but you can see the impact he's had, and playing as a centre-forward has freed him up a bit." David Moyes says the return of Marko Arnautovic has given them a big boost after his goal helped West Ham to a 2-0 win over Watford. Javi Gracia: "We were very soft during all the match. The first half we didn't compete in the best way and they were more aggressive and dominated areas and we didn't create clear chances to score. We will try to do better next time."

What's next?
Neither side are in action again until Saturday, February 24, with West Ham facing a trip to Liverpool in the Premier League and Watford hosting Everton.

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West Ham's Javier Hernandez enjoying playing alongside Marko Arnautovic
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 11/02/18 10:59am
SSN

Javier Hernandez hopes his strike partnership with Marko Arnautovic can score the goals that keep West Ham in the Premier League. The Hammers picked up three more vital points on Saturday when a goal apiece from Hernandez and Arnautovic, who was returning from a hamstring injury, helped them beat Watford 2-0. Hernandez nabbed his third goal in four Premier League matches, while Arnautovic has scored seven goals in his last 11 games in all competitions but had been missing for the last three weeks. West Ham remain 12th in the table but have extended their gap over the bottom three to five points and have only lost one league game since before Christmas. "Marko is an unbelievable, all-around player and it gives you a lot of confidence when you play up front with a player like him," Hernandez said. "We have a good understanding with each other and both of us scored. That's a good thing for a striker. "Not only did we score, but the whole team ran with high intensity and we showed that we wanted the three points. "Three points are three points whoever they come against, and we need to keep going day-by-day and game-by-game because every game is going to be a final."

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Three West Ham fans arrested following home win over Watford at London Stadium
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 10/02/18 9:09pm
SSN

Three West Ham fans were arrested following the win over Watford at the London Stadium, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed. One person was arrested for a public order offence, one for assault on a steward and the other for assault on a steward and racial abuse, according to the MPS Football Unit. All are were male and were waiting to be dealt with in custody on Saturday evening. The steward in question was not seriously injured. The Hammers boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez.

MPS Football Unit
✔
@MPSFootballUnit
Great home win for @WestHamUtd , unfortunately 3 West Ham supporters arrested 1 for public order offence, 1 for assault on a steward and 1 for assault on a steward and racial abuse all currently waiting to be dealt with in custody

8:37 PM - Feb 10, 2018
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Javier Hernandez: I'm more confident at West Ham next to 'unbelievable' Marko Arnautovic
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
ES Sport

Javier Hernandez has hailed Marko Arnautovic's "unbelievable" all-round skills, saying the Austrian forward has injected him with more confidence in front of goal.
Hernandez and Arnautovic were both on the score-sheet as West Ham beat Watford 2-0 at the London Stadium on Saturday to move five points clear of the relegation zone. Hernandez was first to open the scoring with his header in the 38th minute - the Mexican's third goal in five games in all competitions - before Arnautovic continued his fine form under David Moyes with his seventh goal of the campaign in the 78th minute. Hernandez's future was called into question last month but, after staying put at West Ham, he has scored in two successive Premier League games - with the striker crediting his improved confidence in front of goal down to playing with Arnautovic. "Marko is an unbelievable, all-around player and it gives you a lot of confidence when you play up front with a player like him," Hernandez told West Ham's official website. "We have a good understanding with each other and both of us scored. That's a good thing for a striker. "Not only did we score, but the whole team ran with high intensity and we showed that we wanted the three points. "Three points are three points whoever they come against, and we need to keep going day-by-day and game-by-game because every game is going to be a final."

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David Sullivan lays out West Ham plan of action as board call for fans' backing
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport

David Sullivan has told West Ham fans to stick by the club after revealing he will be overhauling the way the club scout, analyse and sign targets in the coming transfer windows. Co-chairman Sullivan, and his counterparts David Gold and Karren Brady, have been under increasing pressure from the fans in east London over the last week, following a disappointing January window and a club official accused of racism. The board acted quickly to dismiss Tony Henry, following a leaked email in which he allegedly said the club did not want any more African players in the window, and now Sullivan is moving to address the problems with the clubs recruitment policy. After a string of additions who have not reached their expected levels in recent years, Sullivan says there will be a restructuring and a lot of investment in a new scouting setup at the club. "Only the manager can sign players," Sullivan said in a statement on the club website before the Hammers' 2-0 win over Watford on Saturday. "Going forward, we are going to completely re-jig it, I am going to delegate the whole thing to a huge new analysis system and a new head of recruitment, massive video analysis department, increase the scouting. "Every player will be looked at five or six times, we won't be signing a player based on who the manager has never seen play; the manager will watch him play and we hope we will spend our money better. "We are not going to spend money for the sake of it."

Manager David Moyes is contracted until the end of the season but is expected to be handed a new deal should the club's Premier League status be retained, and has hinted at a change in how things are done himself. Following claims from Sullivan recently that the club had failed in a £25million bid for Stoke's Joe Allen, Moyes was asked about his disappointment, and hinted at changes going forward. "I won't talk about players from other clubs," the Scotsman said on Friday.
"I'm hoping I will change the way my business is done. I'll not discuss players at other clubs."

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David Sullivan admits mistakes as he calls for unity from West Ham fans amid growing criticism
Disillusioned Hammers supporters are planning a protest next month after a string of controversies
The Mirror
ByDarren Lewis
16:20, 10 FEB 2018

David Sullivan has admitted West Ham have made mistakes during yet another troubled season - but has urged the club's fans to pull together. Disillusioned Hammers supporters are planning a protest next month after a string of controversies and what they believe to have been a poor January in the transfer market.
Despite David Moyes lifting the club to 12th in the League table ahead of today's game against Watford, they are still just three points above the relegation zone.
With survival at stake Sullivan and co-owner David Gold have pleaded with the fans to get behind the team over the last 12 games of the season. Sullivan has also revealed he wants David Moyes to stay beyond this season and he intends to rip-up the club's recruitment structure following the controversial exit of Tony Henry.
Sullivan said: "We haven't had the success that we would like, we accept there has been failures and I want to speak to the supporters, tell them what's going on, how we feel and how we need to pull together and how we are listening. "I want to set something in, a procedure, a set up that will long term deliver better. "Only the manager can sign players. Going forward, we are going to completely re-jig it. "I am going to delegate the whole thing to a huge new analysis system and a new head of recruitment, massive video analysis department. "Increase the scouting, every player will be looked at five or six times, we wont be signing a player based on who the manager has never seen play. "The manager will watch him play and we hope we will spend our money better. We are not going to spend money for the sake of it."

Sullivan told West Ham TV: "I want to speak directly to our supporters and say how important it is that we all pull together during these times. "We haven't had the success we would like. We accept there have been failures. "I know the fans are not happy and that makes me unhappy. We want more ups than downs. The supporters want more ups than downs. And we've had a few too many downs and not enough ups. "We know we've got to do better. And we're trying to find a set-up that, long-term, will deliver better. "Myself and David Gold, we watch every game home and away. We are not going to games for any reason other than we love West Ham. We want to be there because we love the club, we care, we are fans. "We've got to sort out some of the problems, on and off the pitch, and try to show people there is light at the end of the tunnel. "The most important thing I would say to everybody is unity, pulling together. We must be united behind the team, behind the manager. "The team is very united, we all want to do better and we ask the supporters to get behind the team. Cheer them from start to finish, urge them to success. They want to succeed and do better, and with your help and unity they can."
Sullivan has also revealed for the first time that he is hoping to keep David Moyes as manager. It follows claims that the Irons had were hunting for a replacement with Moyes set to leave in the summer whether the club stay up or not. Sullivan went on: "He's very hard working, I have seen him at ground watching players when he was at Everton, he puts a long shift in at the training ground and I think in life generally if you work harder, you get the results. "He is a good manager, he will prove it and I hope he stays with us for many years and we win thing and achieve things."

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