Watford 0-1 Blackburn Rovers: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Watford 0-1 Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Saturday, 13 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Blackburn Rovers secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road, with Ryoya Morishita's goal in the 47th minute proving decisive. The result was somewhat surprising given Watford's recent form, which included a win and two draws in their last three matches. Blackburn, on the other hand, ended a run of inconsistent results, having lost their previous home game to Norwich City. This win will be a boost for Blackburn, while Watford will be disappointed to have lost at home despite a solid run of form.

The match was closely contested, with both teams showing moments of quality. Watford made a double substitution in the 54th and 55th minutes, bringing on Nestory Irankunda and Edo Kayembe, in an attempt to change the game's momentum. However, Blackburn's disciplined performance and Morishita's crucial goal were enough to secure the three points. This result highlights the fine margins in the Championship, where a single goal can make all the difference.

The statistics from the match suggest a closely fought contest, with Watford holding a slight edge in possession at 51% compared to Blackburn's 49%. Blackburn, however, had more corners, with seven to Watford's five, indicating a slightly more threatening presence in the final third. The successful dribbles percentage was higher for Blackburn at 33% compared to Watford's 23%, which may have contributed to their ability to create the winning goal.

Despite the narrow margin of victory, the stats align well with the result, showing Blackburn's effectiveness in key areas. The two yellow cards for Blackburn compared to one for Watford indicate a slightly more physical approach from the visitors, but no red cards were shown, suggesting the game was competitive but not overly aggressive.

The key moment of the match came early in the second half when Ryoya Morishita scored for Blackburn Rovers in the 47th minute, a goal that ultimately decided the game. This early second-half strike put Watford on the back foot and forced them to chase the game. Blackburn's ability to score at such a crucial time was pivotal in securing their victory.

Watford attempted to change the game's dynamics with substitutions in the 54th and 55th minutes, bringing on Nestory Irankunda and Edo Kayembe. However, these changes did not yield the desired effect, and Watford were unable to find an equaliser. The yellow cards shown to Matthew Pollock of Watford and Todd Cantwell and Ryan Hedges of Blackburn added tension but did not significantly alter the game's flow.

Watford lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Egil Selvik in goal and a back three of Kévin Keben, Mattie Pollock, and J. Pétris. The midfield was anchored by Moussa Sissoko and Hector Kyprianou, with Max Alleyne, Rocco Vata, and Kwadwo Baah providing width and creativity. Up front, Luca Kjerrumgaard and Mamadou Doumbia led the line.

The lineup was fairly standard, with no major surprises. The substitutions of Nestory Irankunda and Edo Kayembe in the 54th and 55th minutes were an attempt to inject fresh legs and change the game's momentum. However, despite these changes, Watford were unable to break down Blackburn's defense and find an equaliser.

Blackburn Rovers opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Balázs Tóth in goal and a back four of Ryan Alebiosu, Hayden Carter, Scott Wharton, and Yuri Ribeiro. The midfield was controlled by Sondre Tronstad and Sidnei Tavares, with Ryoya Morishita, Todd Cantwell, and Ryan Hedges supporting striker Yuki Ohashi.

The lineup was effective, with Morishita's goal proving decisive. Blackburn made five substitutions throughout the match, with Andri Lucas Guojohnsen, Augustus Kargbo, Lewis Miller, Taylor Gardner-Hickman, and Harry Pickering coming on to help see out the victory. These changes helped maintain Blackburn's shape and energy, contributing to their successful defensive performance.

Ryoya Morishita is Coral’s Man of the Match for his crucial goal in the 47th minute, which secured the victory for Blackburn Rovers. His ability to find the back of the net at such a pivotal moment in the game was the difference between the two teams. Despite not registering any assists or key passes, Morishita's goal was enough to earn him this accolade.

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Blackburn Rovers (H)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Southampton (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Swansea City (A)

• Win: 2-1 vs Queens Park Rangers (H)

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 1-0 vs Watford (A)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Norwich City (H)

• Win: 3-0 vs Hull City (A)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Birmingham City (H)

Watford now sit in 17th place with 5 points. Their next game is against Millwall, who are in 13th place with 7 points, on September 22, 2025, at 19:00. This loss at home may prompt Watford to reassess their approach, focusing on improving their defensive solidity and converting chances more effectively.

Blackburn Rovers have moved up to 15th place with 6 points. They will face Ipswich Town, who are in 14th place with 6 points, on September 20, 2025, at 14:00. This victory could boost their confidence, and they may look to build on this performance by maintaining their defensive discipline and capitalising on scoring opportunities.

Championship Game Week 6, 25/26

• Middlesbrough Vs West Brom

• QPR Vs Stoke City

• Birmingham Vs Swansea

• Leicester City Vs Coventry

• Blackburn Rovers Vs Ipswich Town

• Derby County Vs Preston

• Hull City Vs Southampton

• Portsmouth Vs Sheffield Wednesday

• Sheffield United Vs Charlton

• Norwich City Vs Wrexham

• Bristol City Vs Oxford Utd

• Millwall Vs Watford

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