Norwich City 0-1 Watford: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Norwich City 0-1 Watford in the Championship on Monday, 29 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Watford beat Norwich City 0-1 at Carrow Road. The first half was fairly even, with Norwich holding a bit more of the ball but neither side really creating clear chances, as Watford came into this on the back of a strong run including wins over Leicester and Stoke. Things stayed tight after the break, but Watford’s substitutions started to make a difference, leading up to a dramatic late twist.

In the dying moments, Vivaldo Semedo popped up with the winner in the 90th minute, assisted by Nestory Irankunda, snatching all three points for the visitors. Norwich, who had been looking to build on recent results like their win over Southampton, pushed hard but couldn’t find a way through. This loss extends their mixed form, with just one win in their last five league games, while Watford’s victory keeps their momentum going after a string of positive results.

Norwich edged possession with 55% compared to Watford’s 45%, suggesting they controlled more of the game territorially, but Watford looked sharper on the counter with fewer successful dribbles at 36 against Norwich’s 50. The home side racked up eight corners to Watford’s three, showing they created more set-piece opportunities, though they couldn’t convert them into goals, and Watford picked up the only yellow card of the match, highlighting a bit more discipline from Norwich.

Both teams used all five substitutions, with Norwich making double changes at 60’ and 83’ – Ben Chrisene came on for Lucien Mahovo, Jovon Makama for Jacob Wright, Liam Gibbs for Tony Springett, Mathias Kvistgaarden for Josh Sargent, and Jack Stacey for Oscar Schwartau. Watford shook things up starting at half-time, with Vivaldo Semedo replacing Luca Kjerrumgaard, then James Abankwah for Jeremy Ngakia at 66’, Nampalys Mendy for Imrân Louza at 67’, Nestory Irankunda for Othmane Maamma at 79’, and Moussa Sissoko for Tom Ince at 86’ – and that fresh energy paid off with an assist leading to the game’s only goal.

The match’s defining moment came right at the end when Vivaldo Semedo scored in the 90th minute, assisted by fellow substitute Nestory Irankunda, breaking Norwich hearts with a late sucker punch. Watford had made an early change at half-time, bringing on Semedo for Luca Kjerrumgaard, which shifted their attacking threat, and later subs like Irankunda coming on for Othmane Maamma at 79’ injected the pace that set up the winner.

Norwich tried to respond with their own changes, like Ben Chrisene and Jovon Makama entering at 60’ for Lucien Mahovo and Jacob Wright, and Liam Gibbs replacing Tony Springett at 71’, but they couldn’t turn the tide. Watford also picked up a yellow card around the 66-minute mark, adding a bit of tension, though it didn’t lead to any further drama like a red.

Norwich City lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, which allowed them to dominate possession and create chances through midfield partnerships, with Kenny McLean anchoring things effectively in the middle. Players like Josh Sargent and Oscar Schwartau started up front but were later replaced by Mathias Kvistgaarden and Jack Stacey at 83’, while Tony Springett made way for Liam Gibbs at 71’ to try and add some spark.

Watford set up in a 4-4-2 formation, giving them a solid base to absorb pressure and hit on the break, with strong links in midfield where Imrân Louza started before being replaced by Nampalys Mendy at 67’. Vivaldo Semedo came on as a substitute for Luca Kjerrumgaard at 46’ and proved decisive with his late goal, assisted by Nestory Irankunda who entered for Othmane Maamma at 79’.

Coral’s Man of the Match goes to Kenny McLean, who stood out for Norwich City with his tireless work in midfield, creating one big chance and delivering two key passes that kept his side in the game. Even without goals or assists to his name, his efforts were crucial in trying to break down Watford’s defence, showing why he’s such a reliable figure for the Canaries.

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Watford (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Charlton Athletic (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Preston North End (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Southampton (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Sheffield United (A)

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 1-0 vs Norwich City (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Leicester City (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Stoke City (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Wrexham (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Sheffield Wednesday (H)

Norwich City have just lost 0-1 at home to Watford, leaving them in 23rd place on 21 points and in a tough spot after a run of form that includes only one win in their last five league outings, with draws against Preston and Sheffield United not enough to climb the table. They’ll be desperate to bounce back when they face Queens Park Rangers on 2026-01-01 at 15:00, with QPR currently ninth on 35 points and looking strong, so this could be a key chance for Norwich to pick up points and pull away from danger at the bottom.

Watford have just won 1-0 away at Norwich City, boosting them to sixth place on 38 points thanks to an impressive streak of three straight league wins, including triumphs over Leicester and Stoke, plus draws with Wrexham and Sheffield Wednesday. They’ll aim to keep the pressure on the top spots when they host Birmingham City on 2026-01-01 at 15:00, with Birmingham sitting 15th on 31 points, making this a good opportunity for Watford to extend their push for promotion.

Coral brings you the most exciting betting promotions and the latest betting offers to enhance your experience.

For the best Championship outright predictions, explore our Outright Betting guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.