Derby County 2-3 Watford: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Derby County 2-3 Watford in the Championship on Saturday, 22 November 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Derby County took control early with a substitution in the 18th minute when A. Weimann replaced C. Morris, and they opened the scoring through D. Sanderson's goal at 36', unassisted, to lead 1-0. Dion Sanderson picked up a yellow card at 39', but Derby extended their advantage when S. Langas scored at 54', assisted by J. Ward, making it 2-0. Ben Brereton Díaz was booked at 58', setting the stage for Watford's response.

Watford pulled one back at 61' with L. Kjerrumgaard's goal assisted by J. Ngakia, narrowing the gap to 2-1, before making double substitutions at 65' with V. Semedo replacing H. Kyprianou and M. Doumbia coming on for L. Kjerrumgaard. Edo Kayembe received a yellow card at 68', but Watford equalised from Kayembe's penalty at 85', unassisted, and sealed the win with Kayembe's second goal at 88', assisted by I. Louza, for a 3-2 victory. Derby made late changes, including K. Jackson for Ben Brereton Díaz at 70', L. Salvesen for P. Agyemang at 71', and L. Thompson for S. Langas at 90+1', but could not turn the tide.

Watford dominated possession with 62% compared to Derby's 38%, allowing them to dictate the tempo and mount a late comeback, while Derby's nine corners to Watford's three showed their threat from set-pieces but ultimately failed to yield more goals. Both sides matched in successful dribbles at 40 each, indicating even individual flair, but Watford's single penalty scored contrasted with Derby's zero, proving decisive in the closing stages; assists favoured Watford 2-1, highlighting their sharper final-third connections. Substitutions were level at four apiece, with Derby bringing on A. Weimann for C. Morris at 18', K. Jackson for B. Brereton Diaz at 70', L. Salvesen for P. Agyemang at 71', and L. Thompson for S. Langas at 90+1', while Watford introduced N. Irankunda for K. Baah at 35', V. Semedo for H. Kyprianou at 65', M. Doumbia for L. Kjerrumgaard at 65', and M. Sissoko for O. Maamma at 81'—these changes injected energy for Watford's turnaround, as yellow cards were even at two each without reds or injury-time goals influencing the outcome.

The match turned on Watford's late surge, starting with L. Kjerrumgaard's goal at 61' assisted by J. Ngakia to halve Derby's lead, followed by impactful double substitutions at 65' where V. Semedo came on for H. Kyprianou and M. Doumbia replaced L. Kjerrumgaard, adding fresh legs in midfield and attack. Edo Kayembe's penalty at 85', unassisted, levelled the scores at 2-2, proving a pivotal moment as it shifted momentum decisively, and his second goal at 88' assisted by I. Louza sealed the 3-2 win. Derby's early goals from D. Sanderson at 36' and S. Langas at 54' had built a solid foundation, but yellow cards to Dion Sanderson at 39' and Ben Brereton Díaz at 58', plus Watford's yellow to Kayembe at 68', added tension without derailing the visitors' comeback.

Derby County lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, relying on a solid defensive trio to contain Watford's attacks while pushing wing-backs forward to support the two attacking midfielders and lone striker. Standout partnerships included the midfield link-up that led to S. Langas's goal, with J. Ward providing the assist, and the backline's resilience early on despite Dion Sanderson's booking.

Watford deployed a 4-2-3-1 shape, featuring a double pivot in midfield for stability and three attacking midfielders to feed the frontman, which allowed them to exploit spaces in the second half. Key roles shone through in E. Kayembe's dual scoring threat from midfield, supported by I. Louza's assist, while J. Ngakia's contribution on the right aided the first goal.

Edo Kayembe earned Man of the Match honours for Watford with his brace in the final minutes, converting a crucial penalty at 85' and adding a composed finish at 88' assisted by I. Louza to complete the comeback. His influence grew after the hour mark, combining midfield control with goal threat despite picking up a yellow card at 68', ultimately deciding the contest in Watford's favour.

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 2-3 vs Watford (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Blackburn Rovers (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Hull City (H)
• Win: 3-1 vs Sheffield United (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Queens Park Rangers (H)

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 3-2 vs Derby County (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Bristol City (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Ipswich Town (A)
• Win: 3-0 vs Middlesbrough (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Coventry City (A)

Sitting 12th on 23 points after this home defeat, Derby County will look to bounce back from consecutive wins being halted, with their recent form showing resilience on the road but vulnerability at home; they face Swansea City, who are languishing in 20th with 17 points, in a midweek clash on 25 November at 19:45 that offers a prime opportunity to regain momentum and climb the table.

Watford, now in 11th with 23 points following this away victory that extends their unbeaten run after two draws, demonstrated the fighting spirit needed to challenge higher up; they host Preston North End, positioned fifth with 26 points, on 25 November at 19:45, where maintaining their defensive solidity and late-game threat could secure valuable points against stronger opposition.

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