West Brom secured a crucial 3-0 win over Watford at The Hawthorns, ensuring their safety in the Sky Bet Championship pending a possible points deduction. Isaac Price opened the scoring and set up the second goal for Daryl Dike, as James Morrison's side extended their unbeaten run to nine games. On-loan Crystal Palace right-back Danny Imray sealed the win with a deserved third goal, marking 488 minutes without conceding for the Baggies. The win comes as a significant relief, but the team must now await the outcome of a hearing following alleged infringements of Profit and Sustainability Rules.
The victory was one of West Brom's most one-sided of the season, with Watford managing only one on-target effort. Price initially threatened with a fierce low drive, but it was straight at goalkeeper Egil Selvik. However, he made no mistake when presented with another chance, breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute with a first-time shot from 12 yards after Imray's teasing cross.
Watford went close to an equalizer through Nampalys Mendy's full-blooded volley, but it was tipped away by goalkeeper Max O'Leary. Dike then sent a looping header wide from Alex Mowatt's cross, before scoring the decisive second goal in the 41st minute, heading home from Price's curling free-kick. The second half saw Watford centre-back James Abankwah booked for holding at an Albion corner, while Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby was also booked for a late tackle. 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, heading weakly straight at O'Leary. Albion sealed the win in clinical style in the 69th minute, with Imray side-footing home after Josh Maja teed him up following Price's knockdown. Clean-through Othmane Maamma missed two fine chances for the visitors, blazing over and then firing straight at O'Leary.
West Brom's James Morrison praised his 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.' Morrison also acknowledged the hurtful and painful nature of the season, but vowed to continue with perseverance and seek confidence and a reaction from the players.