A momentous Watford must be quick out of the blocks against Manchester United

There can be no denying that West Ham United’s new home, the London Stadium, is an impressive arena.

I was lucky enough to attend the 2012 London Olympics and a host of happy memories came flooding back as I arrived to watch Watford in their latest Premier League encounter.

What is up for debate however, is how the newly converted stadium will serve as a place to watch football on a regular basis.

West Ham’s London Stadium – Photo: Charlotte Wilson / Offside.

It’s been well documented that there have been a few issues, many of which came to light during this fixture, but the main problem with the ground is the distance from the seats to the pitch. Imagine a slightly smaller Wembley Stadium, but with a slightly worse view and you won’t be far off.

That said, after half an hour or so, my fellow Watford fans and I were wishing we were even further away from the action.

Dimitri Payet and West Ham were running riot, and at 2-0 down, it looked like the Hornets’ search for a first Premier League win of the season would continue. How wrong we were!

Two Watford goals before half-time meant the momentum shifted entirely, and with Roberto Pereyra pulling the strings from midfield, the away team looked a completely different proposition for the second-half, eventually running out comfortable 4-2 winners.

This game was a classic illustration of the importance of momentum. Once a team builds up a head of steam, it can be almost impossible to stop. The job Walter Mazzarri now has is to ensure that this confidence and positivity is carried over into the next game – a small matter of a home fixture against Manchester United.

Summer signing Pereyra has scored or assisted in back-to-back league games for Watford – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Jose Mourinho’s men will arrive in Hertfordshire as firm favourites, but struggling for form. Derby day defeat was followed with a lacklustre showing in the Europe League, and whilst the incredible array of talent Mourinho has at his disposal should result in victory, they are missing one thing that Watford currently have – momentum.

The Hornets have been guilty of starting slowly in their fixtures to date, but I’m hopeful that the extraordinary comeback against West Ham will mean they are quickly out of the blocks on Sunday.

Allowing Manchester United to dictate the game will not only allow their superior squad a chance to settle, but it will also alleviate the pressure that they will undoubtedly go into the game feeling.

This is potentially a big chance for manager Mazzarri and his men. I hope they take it.