David Moyes lost his first match as West Ham manager and questioned the performances of his ‘big players’ during Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Watford.

Former Sunderland boss Moyes succeeded Slaven Bilic as Hammers boss earlier this month and he was hoping to make a winning start to his tenure in what was his 500th Premier League match as a manager.

However, a goal in either half from Will Hughes and Richarlison handed Watford the victory and the result leaves West Ham in the relegation zone and without a league win since September.

Moyes was disappointed to open his Hammers account with a defeat and questioned the performances of some of his ‘big players’ during the loss at Vicarage Road.

“I always thought this was a big job. Some big players with big reputations disappointed me a lot,” Moyes said.

“I thought they would show me more. They need to show me why they have got that reputation.

“I don’t enjoy the performance and I expected us to do better. We tried to stay in the game and give ourselves a chance – and we probably did – but overall it was not good enough.”

Moyes will be hoping for an improved result and display when he takes charge of West Ham for the first time on home soil against Leicester on Friday.

The east Londoners have failed to win any of their last six fixtures against the Foxes, losing both meetings last season, but they are priced at 2.63 to gain a positive result on Friday, while Claude Puel’s team are available at 2.70 and the draw is on offer at 3.30.