Watford 2-1 West Bromwich Albion: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral's post-match review of Watford 2-1 West Bromwich Albion in the Championship on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Watford secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at home, a result that might not have been surprising given their recent form. The Hornets have been in decent shape, winning three of their last five matches, including this one. West Brom, on the other hand, have been inconsistent, with this loss snapping a run that included a win and a draw in their recent outings. The match was closely contested, with Watford managing to overturn an early deficit to claim all three points, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

Imrân Louza was a standout performer for Watford, contributing significantly to their win. His goal in the 38th minute was crucial in levelling the score after West Brom had taken the lead. Watford's second goal in the 58th minute sealed the victory, demonstrating their ability to capitalise on opportunities. This result keeps Watford in the mix in the Championship, while West Brom will need to regroup after this setback.

The statistics from the match provide an interesting contrast to the final result. Despite West Brom enjoying 60% of the ball possession compared to Watford's 40%, it was Watford who emerged victorious. Both teams had an equal number of corners, with four each, suggesting that neither side dominated in terms of set-piece opportunities. Watford's higher successful dribble percentage (50% compared to West Brom's 33%) might have played a role in their ability to create scoring chances. Additionally, West Brom's two yellow cards indicate a slightly more aggressive approach, but it wasn't enough to sway the outcome in their favour.

The key moments of the match were defined by the goals scored. West Brom took the lead in the 34th minute, putting pressure on Watford to respond. However, Watford quickly equalised just four minutes later in the 38th minute, thanks to a goal from Imrân Louza. This swift response was crucial in maintaining Watford's momentum and morale. The decisive moment came in the 58th minute when Watford scored again, securing the win and demonstrating their ability to capitalise on opportunities when they arose.

These goals were pivotal in shaping the game's outcome. West Brom's early lead could have been demoralizing for Watford, but their quick response and subsequent goal in the second half showcased their resilience and determination. The timing of these goals was critical, as they shifted the momentum in Watford's favour and ultimately led to their victory.

Watford lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Egil Selvik in goal and a backline consisting of Jeremy Ngakia, James Abankwah, Mattie Pollock, and Marc Bola. The midfield was anchored by Jérémy Pétris and Imrân Louza, with Hector Kyprianou and Rocco Vata providing width. Up front, Luca Kjerrumgaard and Nestory Irankunda led the attack. The lineup was fairly standard, with no major surprises, but the impact of the substitutions was notable, with five changes made during the match.

Imrân Louza's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he scored the crucial equaliser and played a key role in midfield. The formation allowed Watford to maintain a solid defensive structure while also enabling them to launch quick counter-attacks, which proved effective in securing the win.

West Bromwich Albion opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Josh Griffiths between the posts and a defensive line of Alfie Gilchrist, Nat Phillips, Chris Mepham, and Callum Styles. The midfield duo of Ousmane Diakité and Alex Mowatt provided stability, while Samuel Iling-Junior, Isaac Jude Price, and Mikey Johnston supported the lone striker, Aune Heggebø. The lineup was typical for West Brom, but the team struggled to maintain their early lead.

Despite the loss, there were no standout performances from West Brom's players, and the impact of their substitutions was not enough to turn the game around. The formation allowed for good possession, but they were unable to convert this into a positive result.

Imrân Louza has been named Coral's Man of the Match for his pivotal role in Watford's victory. His goal in the 38th minute was crucial in levelling the score and shifting the momentum in Watford's favour. Louza also contributed with four key passes, showcasing his ability to influence the game from midfield. His performance was instrumental in securing the three points for Watford.

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Sheffield United (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Oxford United (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Portsmouth (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Hull City (H)

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Watford (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Preston North End (H)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Millwall (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Norwich City (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Leicester City (H)

Watford now sit in 12th place with 15 points, and their next challenge is a tough one against league leaders Coventry City on October 25, 2025, at 12:30. This result against West Brom will boost their confidence as they prepare to face a strong opponent. Watford will need to maintain their focus and capitalise on their recent form to secure a positive result.

West Bromwich Albion find themselves in 10th place with 17 points after this loss. Their next match is against Ipswich Town, who are in 14th place with 13 points, on October 25, 2025, at 12:30. This defeat might prompt West Brom to reassess their approach, especially in terms of converting possession into goals, as they look to bounce back against a mid-table side.

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