Nearly as captivating was Deeney’s lob of goalkeeper Adrian in first-half injury-time that enabled Watford to enter half-time all-square and West Ham’s fretful back four never recovered.
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Deeney insists they felt slighted after Dimitri Payet set up Michail Antonio’s second through a rabona cross, while Manuel Lanzini had attempted a shot using the same ostentatious technique.
“Their third goal came from a very predictable attack and we should have made it more hard for them to hurt us”. The first one was more the one that worries me.
“It was way too easy for the first one and second one”.
It was Deeney’s desire that underpinned Watford’s comeback, leaving Mazzarri delighted with his skipper and his team.
Head coach Mazzarri said: “He [Deeney] showed that he has completely understood my mentality but I know the player and he had it even before my arrival”.
“I’ve got to thank them, becasue that really stoked the fire and we started laying a glove on people and scored two goals before half-time, which changed the balance of the game. This is a concept that I have always done and taught the players I have coached and I’m doing it now”.
Ten minutes later and Watford had gone further ahead, Holebas rounding off a move he started – dispossessing a now very quiet Payet – although Adrian could have done better in trying to deny him.
“It is important that we recognise the vast majority who have attended the first five fixtures played at London Stadium have been outstanding with their behaviour and support”.
The 27-year-old Nigerian is yet to score in the Premier League this season and has managed just four goals in his last 21 games for the club.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was surprised to learn of the incidents.
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The Hammers boss added: “The bottom line is if we defend like this we aren’t going to win many games”.
