Moyes’ reign at West Ham off to ominous start

Premier league: Too easy for Hornets

David Moyes was left in no doubt about the size of the task in front of him as West Ham crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Watford yesterday.

The former Dunfermline defender’s first game in charge ended in more disappointment for the Hammers as goals from Will Hughes and Richarlison got Watford back to winning ways.

Yet although Moyes knew he was inheriting the worst defence in the top flight, he will surely not have expected them to capitulate as meekly.

Watford, whose boss Marcio Silva has been linked with the Everton job, opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Dutch wideman Marvin Zeegelaar crossed towards Hughes, whose initial attempt at the far post was only half-cleared by Aaron Cresswell.

Andre Gray swung at the rebound which deflected back to Hughes, who swept in his first goal for the Hornets on only his second Premier League start.

It seemed West Ham had slipped straight back into the chaotic displays of the last few weeks under Slaven Bilic.

Yet somehow the Hammers twice almost forced an equaliser shortly before the interval. First Mark Noble put Cheikhou Kouyate through but the midfielder’s shot was too close to Heurelho Gomes.

And in stoppage time Pablo Zabaleta’s cross was met by Marko Arnautovic, who was denied by a stunning double save from Gomes at point-blank range.

Watford doubled their lead in the second half, Hughes feeding Richarlison who had the freedom of Vicarage Road to dart into the box before firing into the bottom corner.

With chants of ‘sack the board’ and ‘you’re not fit to wear the shirt’ booming out from the away end, it was not a happy start for Moyes.