West Brom has achieved Sky Bet Championship safety, subject to a possible points deduction, after a resounding 3-0 win against Watford at The Hawthorns. Isaac Price scored the opening goal and set up the second for Daryl Dike, who netted his second goal in as many games, before the half-time break, as James Morrison's side extended their unbeaten run to nine games. On-loan Crystal Palace right-back Danny Imray scored a well-deserved third goal for the Baggies, who have now gone 488 minutes without conceding a goal. Although Albion must await the outcome of a hearing regarding alleged breaches of Profit and Sustainability Rules, they are currently safe following one of their most one-sided victories this season, with Watford managing only one on-target effort.
The Baggies created the first chance with a powerful low 25-yard drive from Price, but it was straight at goalkeeper Egil Selvik. However, Price capitalized on his next opportunity, breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute with a first-time shot from 12 yards after a teasing cross from Imray. Nampalys Mendy's full-blooded volley was tipped away by goalkeeper Max O'Leary as Watford came close to equalizing two minutes later. Watford captain Mattie Pollock was booked for a late challenge on Price, who threatened to break away from wide.
Dike sent a looping header wide from Alex Mowatt's cross as Albion continued to press. Dike's next header proved decisive, ending up in the roof of the net from Price's curling free-kick on the right in the 41st minute.
Referee Anthony Bakehouse allowed Nestory Irankunda's handball from Price's kick, while Dike shook off Mendy's attempts to drag him down. Watford centre-back James Abankwah was booked for holding at an Albion corner shortly after the second half began. Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby was next in the book following a late touchline tackle on Kevin Keben.
Mowatt sliced over a 20-yard volley from Price's knockdown as Albion broke from a period of Watford possession. Luca Kjerrumgaard missed a great chance to reduce the deficit for Watford when he headed weakly straight at O'Leary from Othmane Maamma's cross. Albion made it 3-0 in clinical style in the 69th minute, Imray side-footing home after Josh Maja teed him up following Price's knockdown of Molumby's deep cross into the danger area. Clean-through Maamma missed two fine chances either side of the end of normal time for the visitors, blazing over and then firing straight at O'Leary.
West Brom's James Morrison praised the players, 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 ensure we finish the season well.' Morrison also acknowledged the challenges faced by Watford, stating, 'Part of it 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.' The £250,000 is up for grabs with Super 6, and as always, it is completely free to play, with entries accepted until 3 pm on Saturday.