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

Dive into Ladbrokes' 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.

Well, what a cracking match at Vicarage Road! Watford clinched a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion, a result that might not have been a total shock given their recent form. The Hornets have been buzzing, with three wins in their last five, and this win extends their positive run. West Brom, on the other hand, have been a bit up and down, and this loss snaps their two-game unbeaten streak. Imrân Louza was the star of the show, bagging a crucial goal that helped secure the three points for Watford.

The game was a real rollercoaster, with West Brom taking the lead early on, only for Watford to fight back with two well-taken goals. The first half was tight, but Watford's resilience paid off in the second half. This result shows that Watford are finding their rhythm, and with players like Louza stepping up, they're a team to watch. West Brom will be disappointed, but they've got the quality to bounce back.

The stats tell an interesting story about this match. Despite West Brom having 60% possession, it was Watford who came out on top. Both teams had four corners each, but it was Watford's efficiency in front of goal that made the difference. West Brom's higher possession didn't translate into more scoring opportunities, and their two yellow cards suggest a bit of frustration creeping in. Watford's 50% successful dribbles compared to West Brom's 33% also highlight their sharpness on the ball.

The key moments of the match were all about the goals. West Brom struck first in the 34th minute, putting Watford on the back foot. But the Hornets responded brilliantly, with a goal in the 38th minute to level the score before halftime. The second half saw Watford take the lead in the 58th minute, and that goal proved to be the winner. These moments were crucial, showing Watford's ability to stay composed and capitalise on their chances.

The goals were the turning points, but it was the players' reactions to these moments that really shaped the game. West Brom's early lead could have demoralized Watford, but instead, it spurred them on. The quick response before halftime was a testament to their fighting spirit, and the winning goal in the second half sealed the deal. Watford's resilience and clinical finishing were the keys to their victory.

Watford lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Egil Selvik in goal and a solid backline 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 top, Luca Kjerrumgaard and Nestory Irankunda led the line. The lineup was fairly standard, but it was the impact of the substitutes that made a difference, with five changes made throughout the game.

Imrân Louza was the standout performer, scoring the crucial goal that put Watford in the lead. His presence in midfield was vital, and his goal showcased his ability to influence the game. The five substitutions also played a role, keeping the team fresh and allowing Watford to maintain their intensity throughout the match.

West Bromwich Albion opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Josh Griffiths between the sticks and a defense 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 solid, but it was the substitutions that perhaps didn't have the desired impact.

Despite the loss, there were some notable performances. Mikey Johnston was involved in the build-up to West Brom's goal, providing the assist. However, the team struggled to maintain their early lead, and the two yellow cards suggest a bit of frustration. The five substitutions made by West Brom didn't quite turn the tide, and they'll need to regroup for their next match.

Imrân Louza is Ladbrokes' Man of the Match, and it's easy to see why. He scored the crucial goal that put Watford in the lead, and his four key passes show his influence on the game. Louza's performance was pivotal in securing the three points for Watford, and he truly deserved the accolade.

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)

Sitting at 12th with 15 points, Watford will be looking to build on this win when they face league leaders Coventry City on October 25, 2025, at 12:30. This result will give them confidence, and they'll need to be at their best to challenge a strong Coventry side. Expect Watford to approach the game with a positive mindset, knowing they can compete with the best.

West Brom, now at 10th with 17 points, will be eager to bounce back when they take on Ipswich Town on October 25, 2025, at 12:30. The loss to Watford will be a setback, but they'll see the upcoming match against a mid-table side as a chance to get back on track. West Brom will need to regroup and focus on their strengths to secure a positive result.

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