West Bromwich Albion confirmed their safety in the Sky Bet Championship with a dominant 3-0 triumph over Watford at The Hawthorns, a result that puts them beyond the reach of relegation pending the outcome of a potential points deduction. The victory was highlighted by an early strike from Isaac Price, who also set up Daryl Dike’s second goal of the season before the break, extending the Baggies' unbeaten run to nine matches. On loan from Crystal Palace, right‑back Danny Imray added a well‑deserved third, sealing a performance that saw West Brom go 488 minutes without conceding a goal.
The win comes at a crucial juncture for the club, as they await the verdict of a hearing concerning alleged breaches of the Profit and Sustainability Rules. Regardless of the pending decision, the side can now celebrate one of their most emphatic victories of the campaign, especially after a Watford side that managed only a single shot on target throughout the encounter.
The match opened with West Brom showing intent, as Price unleashed a powerful low drive from 25 yards that was comfortably saved by Watford keeper Egil Selvik. Undeterred, Price soon found himself in a more promising position and, after a clever cross from Imray, he slipped the ball home from 12 yards out in the 21st minute, putting the home side ahead. Two minutes later, Watford’s Nampalys Mendy produced a vigorous volley that was tipped away by West Brom’s goalkeeper Max O'Leary, denying the visitors an early equaliser. Watford captain Mattie Pollock received a yellow card for a late challenge on Price as the midfielder threatened to cut in from the wing.
Daryl Dike then attempted a looping header from an Alex Mowatt cross, but it drifted wide. The decisive moment arrived in the 41st minute when Price delivered a curling free‑kick from the right‑hand side; Dike met the ball with a powerful header that smashed into the roof of the net, doubling West Brom’s lead.
The referee, Anthony Bakehouse, allowed a contentious handball by Nestory Irankunda to stand, a decision that sparked brief protest from the Watford bench. Dike, however, brushed off attempts by Mendy to bring him down and continued to press the Watford defence. Early in the second half, Watford centre‑back James Abankwah was booked for a foul on a West Brom corner, while midfielder Jayson Molumby later received a yellow for a late tackle on Kevin Keben. West Brom’s attacking flow persisted.
Mowatt struck a 20‑yard volley that clipped the post after a knock‑down from Price, and Luca Kjerrumgaard missed a clear headed chance, sending a weak header straight at O'Leary from a cross by Othmane Maamma. The third goal arrived in the 69th minute when Imray, after a clever lay‑off from Josh Maja, side‑footed the ball into the net, capping a clinical finishing display. Watford attempted to claw back into the game, with Maamma producing two quality chances in the dying minutes – a powerful drive that sailed over the bar followed by a shot that was smothered by O'Leary.
Despite their efforts, the visitors could not breach the Baggies’ defensive wall, and the match ended 3-0 in favour of West Brom. Post‑match, manager James Morrison praised his squad, noting that they had endured a difficult period and managed to lift themselves out of trouble. He emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism and consistency as the season draws to a close, adding that he feels a personal responsibility to the club’s supporters.
Morrison also reflected on the psychological strain experienced by Watford, acknowledging that many of their players are dealing with the lingering effects of previous challenging seasons, with several on loan or approaching contract expiry, and a youthful cohort navigating a demanding run for the first time. Looking ahead, West Brom will focus on finishing the campaign strongly, while the club’s off‑field situation remains under scrutiny. The potential £250,000 prize in the Super 6 competition is still up for grabs, with entries closing at 3 pm on Saturday, offering fans an additional incentive to stay engaged as the season wraps up.