West Bromwich Albion wrapped up their place in the Sky Bet Championship safety net – albeit with a pending investigation that could see a points deduction – by delivering a dominant 3-0 triumph over Watford at The Hawthorns. The win not only put the Baggies eight points clear of the relegation zone, but also marked a rare display of attacking fluency and defensive solidity, as they went 488 minutes without conceding a goal. The opening breakthrough came from young midfielder Isaac Price, who opened the scoring in the 21st minute.
After a low, driven effort from 25 yards was comfortably saved by Watford keeper Egil Selvik, Price seized a second chance moments later. A teasing cross from on‑loan Crystal Palace right‑back Danny Imray found Price in the box, and the teenager calmly slotted a first‑time shot from just 12 yards to put the home side ahead.
Watford responded almost immediately, with Nampalys Mendy unleashing a powerful volley that was tipped away by West Brom keeper Max O'Leary. Two minutes after that, Watford captain Mattie Pollock received a yellow card for a late challenge on Price as the midfielder tried to cut in from the wing. The Baggies continued to press, and Daryl Dike, who had found the net in each of his previous two league outings, headed a cross from Alex Mowatt wide before the half‑hour mark. The decisive moment arrived just before the break.
Price, who had already been a constant threat, delivered a curling free‑kick from the right‑hand side of the penalty area. Dike rose above the defense and directed the ball into the roof of the net, doubling West Brom's lead in the 41st minute. The referee, Anthony Bakehouse, allowed the goal despite a brief handball appeal from Nestory Irankunda, and Dike shrugged off a challenge from Mendy that could have disrupted his momentum. The second half opened with Watford centre‑back James Abankwah booked for a foul during an Albion corner.
West Brom's midfield dynamo Jayson Molumby was also shown a yellow card after a late, aggressive tackle on Kevin Keben. Despite the disciplinary setbacks, the Baggies maintained their attacking rhythm. Mowatt attempted a 20‑yard volley after a knockdown from Price, but the shot sailed over the bar. Watford had a fleeting chance when Luca Kjerrumgaard rose to meet a cross from Othmane Maamma, only to head the ball weakly straight at O'Leary.
The visitors' frustration grew as they failed to create any clear-cut opportunities; in fact, they managed just one on‑target effort throughout the entire match. The third and final goal arrived in the 69th minute, showcasing the clinical partnership between Price and Imray. After Price delivered a deep cross that Molumby had initially knocked down, Josh Maja flicked the ball back into the danger area.
Imray, finding space on the edge of the box, side‑footed the ball past a helpless Selvik to complete the scoring. The goal capped a performance that highlighted West Brom's ability to transition quickly from defense to attack.
Watford's Othmane Maamma tried to salvage something in the closing stages, missing two clear chances – one a powerful shot over the bar and another that was directly saved by O'Leary. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive victory for James Morrison's side, who now await the outcome of a disciplinary hearing concerning alleged breaches of the EFL's Profit and Sustainability Rules. Should a sanction be imposed, the club could face a points deduction, but the immediate relief of securing safety is undeniable.
In the post‑match interview, Morrison praised his squad's resilience: "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; as professionals, there is a job to do. My job is to keep on top of the players and make sure we finish the season well." He acknowledged the emotional toll of the season's struggles, noting the pain of disappointing fans but emphasizing perseverance: "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 offered insight into Watford's plight, suggesting that their recent poor form is understandable given the psychological scars of previous campaigns, contract uncertainties, and a youthful squad still learning how to cope with prolonged adversity.
He concluded with a forward‑looking statement, urging his team to maintain momentum as the season draws to a close. Beyond the match report, the article also reminded readers of a promotional offer: a £250,000 prize pool is available via the Super 6 competition, free to enter, with entries closing at 3 pm on Saturday. Fans are encouraged to download the Sky Sports app and watch EFL action on Sky with NOW to stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments in the Championship race.