Watford held West Ham to a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road in front of the stadium's largest crowd in six years. The Hammers were booed by travelling fans chanting 'You're getting sacked in the morning' at manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Watford took the lead in the 19th minute through a stunning curling chip by 19-year-old Afghanistan international Amin Nabizada, reminiscent of Gerard Deulofeu's Wembley trick.

West Ham equalised via a freak own goal when Watford defender Kevin Keben was robbed by Taty Castellanos, allowing captain Mattie Pollock to turn the ball into his net from close range. Nuno gave League debut to 18-year-old defender Airidas Golambeckis, who performed composure. Despite West Ham's second-half pressure, chances from Arne Engels, Manor Solomon, and Iker Bravo were thwarted by last-ditch defending.

Watford held on to preserve head coach Alessio Dionisi's unbeaten Championship start, with the coach praising Nabizada's development and expressing hope for new signings amid limited resources.