Odion Ighalo scored both of Watford’s goals in their 2-0 win over West Ham last October but he has scored twice in 21 Premier League games in 2016.
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Delighted Watford boss, Walter Mazzarri, said; “Defensively we were very afraid, mainly because West Ham played very well at the beginning”. “We will work with the police and other stakeholders to identify the individuals involved”.
It was not just the West Ham rearguard.
However, with new signing Simone Zaza included and talismanic Frenchman Dimitri Payet and Argentine ace, Manuel Lanzini, back in the starting eleven, there was a real buzz amongst the Hammers faithful. “The goals were too easy. It looked really good, the way we also defended as a team and the way we pressed them”. But if we defend like this we are not going to win many games. “I’m very happy they have this confidence and my mentality”.
Antonio and Payet had already forced smart early saves from Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes, who then watched in horror as an inexplicable back pass from short range by Daryl Janmaat struck the left post. Ighalo took too long to get the influential Roberto Pereyra’s gift of a pass under control and Arthur Masuaka was able to clear.
Republic of Ireland worldwide midfielder Jeff Hendrick, a record signing for Burnley, came on with 15 minutes to go to make his debut for the Clarets.
Ighalo went close for Watford after only minutes but his left foot strike hit the side-netting. Watford appealed for offside, with some justification, but it was marginal and a goal created by supreme artistry was allowed to stand.
And the 71-year-old thought it was time that Bilic’s new recruits started to deliver, saying: “Personally, I think the new signings have to start making a bigger contribution on the park”. In previous games we deserved better results but unfortunately they did not come.
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Troy Deeney cited West Ham’s “disrespectful” showboating as the motivation for Watford’s superb comeback at the London Stadium yesterday. And Slaven Bilic’s side’s capitulation continued after the break – Etienne Capoue hammering in a third before Jose Holebas added a fourth.
