Bowen edges West Ham past Watford as Zouma plays full match

Jarrod Bowen's deflected winner plunged Watford deeper into relegation trouble as Kurt Zouma played in a 1-0 win for West Ham.

Zouma's shocking cat-attack video did not impact the decision to start the West Ham defender because "he is one of our better players", said manager David Moyes. Zouma was condemned by his club, the RSPCA and other animal welfare groups after a disturbing video emerged of him hitting, dropping, and kicking his pet across his kitchen floor on Monday.

Bowen netted the winner for the Hammers on 68 minutes when his speculative effort from range deflected past a helpless Ben Foster. It was tough on Watford, who looked set for a second clean sheet in a row under Roy Hodgson in a much improved defensive showing.

The result lifts West Ham back into the top four while Watford stay in the bottom three.

A reaction was expected from West Ham after their dismal performance at Kidderminster in the FA Cup but it was not forthcoming in the early stages. The first shot on goal of any kind came from Watford man Juraj Kucka, who headed wide from eight yards out. The Hammers continued to plod their way through the half but did create one golden opening, sparked by a silky bit of play by Jarrod Bowen.

He found Said Benrahma inside the box but his first effort was blocked by Ben Foster before he slammed the rebound against the post.

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