Pedro Obiang believes West Ham United’s slow start cost them in their 1-1 draw against Watford on Saturday.

Troy Deeney’s third minute penalty left United chasing the game at Vicarage Road and they struggled to find their form in the opening 45 minutes.

A better second half showing saw Andre Ayew earn a point with a 73rd minute strike, but Obiang felt the early concession had an impact on West Ham.

“We took a goal too early and we found some difficulties in the first half,” he told the club website.

“Watford didn’t have too many chances aside from their penalty and one in the final minute, but for 60 minutes we played totally better than them.”

The stats would support Obiang’s opinion, with West Ham enjoying 64 per cent of the possession and taking 13 shots to Watford’s nine.

The midfielder therefore viewed the result as two points lost, despite the fact United came from behind to secure the draw.

“In the second half we played totally differently, like we normally play, pressing and creating chances, but we couldn’t get the second goal,” the 24-year-old said.

“We spoke about the fact we had a lot of the ball and a lot of chances near to their goal, but we didn’t decide to do it, and because of that we drew the game.”