A Jarrod Bowen goal was enough for West Ham to overcome Watford in the Premier League and breath life back into their quest to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The decision to start Kurt Zouma, however, will likely live longer in the memory than the victory itself.
After consecutive Premier League losses to Leeds and Manchester United, as well as an underwhelming FA Cup win over Kidderminster Harriers, the Hammers managed to get their season back on track.
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For large parts, Roy Hodgson’s side had managed to repel the home team and looked to be solid in their defensive shape while boasting some dangerous attacking options.
Such is the risk of playing with a low block, however, an unfortunate deflection off of Samir after Bowen’s strike in the 69th minute left the Hornets with a mountain to climb. Aside from a late Josh King cross, they rarely threatened to restore parity.
A cruel goal to conceded but, frankly, that’s the tightrope Hodgson teams in this position so often walk.
