West Bromwich Albion wrapped up their Sky Bet Championship safety – albeit still awaiting the result of a potential points deduction – by delivering a dominant 3-0 triumph over Watford at The Hawthorns. The match unfolded with Isaac Price opening the scoring and then assisting Daryl Dike for his second goal in as many games before the interval, extending James Morrison's side’s unbeaten run to nine matches. On loan from Crystal Palace, right‑back Danny Imray added a well‑earned third strike, helping the Baggies stretch their defensive record to 488 minutes without conceding. The victory, however, does not conclude the club's off‑field concerns.
Albion must still sit through a disciplinary hearing concerning alleged breaches of the EFL’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, which could result in a points penalty. For the moment, though, the team can celebrate one of their most emphatic wins of the season, especially as Watford managed only a single shot on target throughout the game.
The first clear chance came when Price unleashed a powerful low drive from 25 yards, only to see it smothered by Watford keeper Egil Selvik. Undeterred, Price soon found the net in the 21st minute, slotting home a first‑time effort from 12 yards after a teasing cross from Imray. Two minutes later, Watford’s Nampalys Mendy struck a fierce volley that was tipped away by West Brom keeper Max O'Leary, narrowly missing an equaliser.
Watford captain Mattie Pollock received a booking for a late challenge on Price, who was threatening to cut inside from the flank. Dike then rose to meet Alex Mowatt’s cross, looping a header wide, before finally capitalising on a curling free‑kick from Price on the right. In the 41st minute, Dike’s decisive header found the roof of the net, putting the visitors firmly in control. The second half began with Watford centre‑back James Abankwah booked for a foul during an Albion corner, and shortly after, Jayson Molumby was shown a yellow for a late tackle on Kevin Keben.
West Brom continued to press, with Mowatt slicing over a 20‑yard volley from a Price knockdown. Watford’s Luca Kjerrumgaard squandered a prime opportunity, heading weakly straight at O'Leary from an Othmane Maamma cross.
The final goal arrived in the 69th minute. Imray side‑footed home after a neat lay‑off from Josh Maja, who had been set up by Price’s deep cross that Molumby had delivered back into the danger area. The scoreline remained 3-0 as the match drew to a close, with Maamma missing two clear chances for the visitors – blasting over the bar and then firing directly at O'Leary.
Post‑match, West Brom manager James Morrison praised his squad, saying, "Credit to the players – they have come through a difficult time and pulled themselves up. I want the players to continue playing the way they are and as professionals there's a job to do.
My job is to keep on top of the players and making sure we finish the season well." He acknowledged the emotional strain of the season, noting, "It’s hugely hurtful and painful because I am accountable to those fans. But I am going to continue on with real perseverance and trying to seek confidence and a reaction from the players." Morrison also reflected on Watford’s struggles, suggesting that many of their players are still dealing with the aftermath of previous campaigns: "Part of it (Watford’s run) is understandable because for many of them, they have suffered before and they're carrying the scar tissue of previous seasons. Some are out of contract or on loan, and it’s also a young group, for some of whom it’s their first time dealing with this sort of run." Beyond the match report, the article mentioned a promotional offer: a £250,000 prize available through the Super 6 competition, free to enter with entries due by 3 pm on Saturday. This incentive adds a layer of excitement for fans following the league’s final stages.
Overall, West Brom’s comprehensive win not only secured their place in the Championship for the next season but also highlighted their defensive resilience and attacking efficiency. With nearly eight full hours of clean‑sheet football and a solid three‑goal cushion, the Baggies have sent a clear message to their rivals: they are ready to compete at a high level, even as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding potential sanctions. The combination of disciplined defending, clinical finishing, and a manager’s steady hand suggests that, despite any off‑field challenges, West Brom can look forward to a hopeful start to the next campaign.