David Moyes was left in doubt about the size of the task in front of him as West Ham crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Watford.
New boss Moyes' first game in charge ended in more disappointment for the Hammers as goals from Will Hughes and Richarlison got Watford back to winning ways.
Hornets debutant Marvin Zeegelaar played a key role as Watford opened the scoring in the 11th minute.
The Dutchman crossed towards Hughes, whose initial attempt at the far post was only half-cleared by Aaron Cresswell.
Andre Gray swung at the rebound which deflected back to Hughes, who swept in his first goal for the Hornets on only his second Premier League start.
Watford doubled their lead as Hughes played the ball to Richarlison and he had the freedom of Vicarage Road to dart into before firing into the bottom corner.
West Ham knew their luck was out when Manuel Lanzini's shot was cleared off the line, possibly with the help of an arm, by Christian Kabasele.
With chants of 'sack the board' and 'you're not fit to wear the shirt' booming out from the away end, it was not a happy start for Moyes.
Moyes is a 50/1 outsider in Sky Bet's next Premier League manager to leave odds.
Post-match reaction
New West Ham manager David Moyes admits he has had his eyes opened as to the size of the job on his hands.
"I found out today, I was only going to find out what they were like when I took training and in the game," Moyes told Sky Sports.
"The better team won the game, I won't say different, but we had chances to change the outcome of the game.
"We have got to try and find a way of winning, we will try and find a way.
"The most important thing was to be in the game and when we conceded the second that went. We need to learn how to stay in games."
Watford also have managerial issues, in the shape of speculation linking Marco Silva with a move to Everton.
Sky Bet make Silva the even-money favourite to take charge of the Toffees.
The rumour mill had been in full swing in the build-up to this game, suggesting the Portuguese is about to leave the club, but Silva said there have been no distractions.
He said: "There has been zero distraction. We know what our work is, we did a fantastic week, the players worked really hard and today they performed really well and we deserved the three points.
"My future is tomorrow, we start to prepare the next day, we have already planned the session, that is my future.
"I understand the questions, some things we can't control. I know what is in my hands and that is the session tomorrow."
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