West Ham claim vital win over Watford, safety almost assured

Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Watford - London Stadium, London, Britain - July 17, 2020 West Ham United's Benjamin Johnson in action with Watford's Joao Pedro, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pool via REUTERS/Justin Setterfield

LONDON (Reuters) - West Ham United all but guaranteed their Premier League safety with a 3-1 victory over fellow strugglers Watford at the London Stadium on Friday with all their goals coming before halftime.

What was expected to be a nervy contest between the sides perched immediately above the drop zone became something of a breeze for the Hammers who were 3-0 up after 36 minutes thanks to goals by Michail Antonio, Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice.