West Ham 1 : 0 Watford

This game will not be remembered for the football.

The news in January of the death of brave Isla Caton shook the West Ham family. The seven year old girl had been involved in a long battle against the rare child cancer neuroblastoma.

Many had become emotionally involved in her five year struggle. Many had donated. The mood among the home fans was already subdued as they awaited several moments that would highlight her life.

Her mother Nicola had made a video which was shown to the fans. It was in truth hard to watch this woman’s pain and uplifting to watch her courage.

There were pre-game photo tributes and a minute’s applause before kick off. When the game reached the seventh minute, the home side placed a photo on the large screens and both sets of fans broke into a minute long applause.

West Ham played the ball among their back four for the entire duration and to their credit, the Watford players made little attempt to dispossess or challenge them.

One incident was sad and yet somehow uplifting. The other had ying and yang of a different sort.

Earlier in the week, video had emerged of West Ham’s French defender Kurt Zouma kicking his cat. The internet outrage was instant and unanimous.

The newspapers were sure that he would not be selected but to the surprise of those at London Stadium. he was in the starting line up. The incessant booing from the Watford fans seemed to get to him and indeed his colleagues.

Chants of “RSPCA RSPCA” were among the more original ones. At one point Watford striker Josh King floored Zouma with a tough challenge, leaving the Frenchman grounded and then gingerly limping.

“That’s how you cat feels” came the chant from the Watford end. The chants were momentarily more entertaining than the game

Although dominant in terms of quality, West Ham played below full pelt in the first half. Said Benrahma was the only one to make an inroad behind the Hornets’ solid defence but hit a well positioned Ben Foster from a tight angle before hitting the outside of the post from an even tighter one.

With Zouma further away from the visiting fans, the booing died down.

The game picked up. Finally the goal that broke the deadlock arrived when Jarrod Bowen picked up the ball just outside the centre circle. He put his head down and ended an incisive run with a fierce drive. Unfortunately for Watford, it hit the inside of Samir’s heel and send Ben Foster the wrong way.

It was not a goal to remember on a night that will be remembered for difficult reasons.

By the same author

“One of the nicest and most gracious men in football”  – Did Adebayo Akinfenwa put an end to one of the vilest chants in English football?

Wycombe and Sunderland fans and players show what a perfect day out at the football should be

Eye witness from Wembley, How the Police, UEFA, idiots, the media and politicians let England down

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