An Odion Ighalo goal has given Watford a 1-0 lead over West Ham United this afternoon.
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The visitors made a bright start to the match, and came close to taking an early lead when Dimitri Payet dribbled past Etienne Capoue, before testing Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes with an effort from the edge of the penalty area.
Watford almost took the lead as Adrian kept out a Nathan Ake header from close range, before Hammers striker Andy Carroll blocked a Troy Deeney volley in the box. The Hornets claimed for handball against the former Liverpool man, but referee Keith Stroud ignored the protests.
West Ham winger Victor Moses spurned a good opportunity to give the visitors the lead, as the winger beat Ake on the right before striking an effort across the face of goal.
The hosts took control of the match before the half-hour mark as Deeney volleyed wide from a corner, before Miguel Britos headed over the bar from a Ben Watson free kick, and Ighalo forced a reaction save from Adrian.
Watford were finally rewarded for their persistence on 39 minutes as Ake won possession from Carroll, before the Dutch defender centred for Ighalo, who finished from close range for his sixth goal of the season.
The Hammers almost found an equaliser on the stroke of half time, as Cheikou Kouyate rose highest to meet a Payet free kick, but his header was comfortable for Gomes.
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