Premier League: Ekong keeps pace with Salah but West Ham too much for Watford

The Nigerian striker was on target again, although it was another disappointing evening for the Hornets at Vicarage Road 

Emmanuel Dennis marked his recall to the Super Eagles squad with another goal, but it was not enough to help Watford avoid defeat in their Premier League clash against West Ham on Tuesday.

Dennis helped Watford get off to a good start as he put Claudio Ranieri’s men ahead in the fourth minute, courtesy of a perfect left-footed finish.

The goal is Dennis eighth in 16 Premier League games this season. It also helped him keep up the pace with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in terms of goal contributions.

13 – Only Mo Salah (24) has been directly involved in more Premier League goals this season than Emmanuel Dennis (13 – 8 goals, 5 assists). Dennis has either scored or assisted 59% of Watford’s 22 league goals this campaign. Menace. #WATWHU pic.twitter.com/SbHoyyuF6k

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 28, 2021

Only Salah (24) has had more goal contributions than Dennis (13) in the English top-flight this season. But despite Dennis’ early strike, Watford endured a disappointing afternoon as West Ham scored four times to seal an emphatic victory.

Tomas Soucek restored parity for the Hammers in the 27th minute before Said Benrahma put David Moyes men ahead two minutes later.

Mark Noble’s penalty after the break extended the away side’s lead before Nikola Vlasic added gloss to the scoreline in added time.

The result leaves Watford just two points ahead of the relegation, but they have played two more games than 18th-placed Burnley.