West Ham 1-0 Watford: Kurt Zouma named in starting line-up as Hammers reignite top-four push

West Ham reignited their top-four push with a narrow victory over Roy Hodgson's Watford, as Kurt Zouma controversially started for the home side.

The Hammers have «unreservedly condemned» the France defender after a video emerged of him kicking his pet cat across the floor and slapping it in the face.

Zouma has apologised and the club have said they will deal with the matter internally.

Chances were at a premium in a dour first half at London Stadium, with Said Benrahma striking the outside of the post in the best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes.

Jarrod Bowen eventually broke the deadlock in the second half with his sixth goal in as many games — a long-range strike which struck Samir on its way past Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster.

Bowen almost doubled his and West Ham's tally late on with a fierce left-footed strike, but Foster was able to divert the ball on to the post.

The result stretches the Hornets' winless league run to 10 matches and leaves them stranded in the bottom three.

More to follow.

Rate players out of 10 throughout or after the game. The rater will close 30 minutes after the final whistle.

6.89

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2.22

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Formation 4-2-3-1

Formation 4-4-2

Match ends, West Ham United 1, Watford 0.

Second Half ends, West Ham United 1, Watford 0.

Craig Dawson (West Ham United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Foul by Joshua King (Watford).

Foul by Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United).

Craig Cathcart (Watford) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Attempt blocked. Emmanuel Dennis (Watford) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Moussa Sissoko.

Attempt saved. Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United) left footed shot from the right side