West Brom 2-1 Watford: Change in formation, change in Baggies’ fortunes
West Brom players celebrate their second goal versus Watford - Photo by Stuart Legget / NurPhoto via Getty Images


West Brom closed in on the top six and damaged Watford’s play-off hopes in a 2-1 win at the Hawthorns.

Karlan Grant opened the scoring 11 minutes into the first half, the first time they had taken the lead in three games.

After a period of Watford domination, Mikey Johnston doubled the lead, ending his goal drought in 2025.

The visitors got the third, with their only real clear cut chance falling for Moussa Sissoko.

With other results on the day going their way and Coventry City yet to play, this win puts the Albion four points of fifth place and just two points off sixth, in a much better position after their loss in midweek.

  • Story of the Match

Following a change to the starting 11, West Brom started the game with high intensity and attacking intent. This is something that has been lacking as of late.

It was the Baggies that broke the deadline as Fellows showed wonderful skill to evade his marker and for his cut back to find Grant. His well placed shot found the bottom left corner.

As Albion's intensity decreased following their goal, Watford grew into the game making more chances.

Mamadou Doumbia’s shot was easily caught by Albion keeper Joshua Griffiths, Edo Kayembe then rode two challenges in the box and won a corner.

Kayembe provided the bulk of the Hornets’ chances, with his long range effort stunning Griffiths and smashing against the post.

On the stroke of half time, following a free-kick 40-yards out, his attempt forced Egil Selvik into a save.

Similar to the first half, the Baggies started the second much the better side. Johnston was at the forefront of the threat, having multiple shots over the bar.

Albion's second goal came from a quick-fire counter attack from Grant who played Tom Fellows through before cutting it back to find Mikey Johnston. Operating at a tight angle, he opened his body and placed it in the bottom left corner.

The Albion came close to a third, when Fellows crossed for Will Lankshear, this time he dragged his shot wide of the post.

Despite the hosts building the pressure, the game changed tides for the remaining 25 minutes.

It was the visitors that got the next goal with Moussa Sissoko meeting a ball by Imran Louza. Through on goal, his half volley was smashed past Griffiths, to make it a tense ending at the Hawthorns.

Watford never really came close to scoring after their first, with the vast majority of opportunities only really being half chances.

Jeremy Ngakia, Louza and Vakoun Issouf Bayo all had chances, but their shots all sailed over the bar, not threatening keeper Griffiths.

West Brom's recent form has been rather disappointing and has seen them fall out of the play-off spots.

Their last five games before this one resulted in three losses in a row and two draws. Far from the play-off chasing form that they need.

Throughout this rut of form, Albion fans were crying out for a change in formation.

However, Mowbray showed stubbornness until the change today, it was a much better attacking performance and the result is there to show.

  • Watford's season, is it over?

Tom Cleverley's Watford have had an unfortunate end to the season which has seemingly seen them miss out on a play-off spot.

Their last five results have seen the Hornets win one, lose two and draw one.

They played three teams battling relegation in this period.

With a mediocre ending to the season, questions must be asked as to why?

They were battling for play-offs mid-way through the season, and have had a fall off, with injuries partly to blame.

After the game today, they sit 11th in the table, six points off sixth placed Coventry who play their game in hand against Hull City on Monday.

  • Star Player - Will Lankshear

In his first start for the Albion, Will Lankshear did well in a spot that has been rather disappointing recently.

Despite not scoring, Lankshear was involved in different opportunities and showed his worth, seemingly enough for another start for a crucial six-pointer against Coventry next week.