Watford player ratings: How we scored the Hornets at West Ham United

Troy Deeney set the Hornets on their way with a first-half penalty and after both sides had squandered opportunities to score, particularly during a frantic period in the second half, Gerard Deulofeu secured an eighth win of the season for Javi Gracia's men when he combined superbly with Roberto Pereyra.

He's how we scored Watford as they delivered an early Christmas present for their fans in east London:

Ben Foster – 8.5

The goalkeeper was rewarded with a clean sheet after another very good performance from Watford’s number one. Did well to get down sharply to his left to deny Javier Hernandez in the first half, but that was bettered by the superb reactions he demonstrated to readjust when Robert Snodgrass’ header deflected off Craig Cathcart.

Kiko Femenia – 7

The Spaniard did well for the most part to help keep Felipe Anderson in check, but did struggle with the Brazilian on occasions during the frantic second-half spell when both sides should have scored.

Christian Kabasele – 8

A strong display from the Belgian international who made a number of important clearances and blocks and used his height to good defensive effect, although he was caught out by the movement of the West Ham forwards a couple of times.

Craig Cathcart – 8

Cathcart’s calmness was a big asset when West Ham increasingly adopted the kitchen sink approach during the second half. The defender made a number of telling interceptions, not least when Snodgrass juggled the ball past Kabasele and was poised to pull the trigger.

Jose Holebas – 8

The left-back continued his good form with another strong display when it was required against the in-form Snodgrass and more than held his own. His set-piece delivery was again inconsistent, but that was outweighed by the positives of his defensive work.

Ken Sema – 7

The Swedish international produced his best performance in a Watford shirt to date, worked hard and contributed to positive effect in attack, although he could have chosen a better option at times. Sema was replaced by Tom Cleverley after 75 minutes.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7.5

The midfielder perhaps personified that frantic spell in the second-half when he was denied a goal by superb Lukasz Fabianski save, but within a minute had produced a vital challenge to deny Hernandez when he looked poised to score. Doucoure was involved in much of his side’s good work in all departments, although his passing could have been sharper at times.

Etienne Capoue – 8.5

The other half of Watford’s central midfield double act may have been making his return after an enforced three-game absence, but you wouldn’t have known it. Capoue picked up where he left off and was excellent again, making numerous defensive interventions and kick-starting his side’s attacks with his passing quality.

Roberto Pereyra – 8

His influence on the game grew after winning the penalty as his touch, poise and quality on the ball again caught the eye. This was no better illustrated than when he combined with Gerard Deulofeu for the match-clinching second goal.

Gerard Deulofeu – 8

The Spaniard continued from where he left off against Cardiff City, producing another good display that was capped by another impressive display. The former Barcelona man was a key figure in many of his side’s better attacking moments.

Troy Deeney – 7

A typically committed display by Watford’s captain. Ended his wait for a goal with a penalty, which was made more difficult by the delay caused by Fabian Balbuena’s injury, and will feel he should have scored again in the second half when put through by Deulofeu with only Fabianski to beat.

Substitutes

Tom Cleverley – 6.5

Replaced Sema and got another beneficial 15 minutes under his belt as he continues to step up his recovery from injury.

Isaac Success – N/A

Replaced Deeney for the final five minutes plus injury time.

Adrian Mariappa – N/A

Came on for Deulofeu as the Hornets saw the game out after scoring their second goal.