Watford move into play-off spots as Sema brace downs West Brom

Goalmouth action was lacking in the first twenty minutes, but the game quickly burst into life. Brandon Thomas-Asante missed a huge chance for the visitors as his diving header was wildly off-target, and the Baggies were made to pay immediately.

Joshua Griffiths showed sharp reflexes to make an initial save, but Ken Sema had the simple task of smashing home the rebound to give the hosts the opener.

Watford continued to dominate towards half-time and had the best opportunity to score, but Keinan Davis appeared to lack conviction when played through on goal and a trailing leg from Griffiths diverted his goalbound effort wide.

The interval allowed West Brom to regroup, and Conor Townsend was the unlikely scorer as he diverted the ball home from a corner. The end-to-end battle continued as Watford hit the post and Daniel Bachmann made an outstanding save low to his right in the minutes after the equaliser.

Watford regained the lead after 66 minutes through Ismaïla Sarr. He was fortunate to see a hopeful shot from the edge of the box deflected into his path, but his clinical side-footed finish was too good for Griffiths.

The lead only lasted five minutes though, as Bachmann gifted the visitors a leveller when his loose pass was gleefully slotted home by Jed Wallace.

The hosts refused to settle for a point as they pushed for another lead, and they got it after 78 minutes. Sema’s shot from the edge of the box didn’t look particularly threatening, but a huge deflection from Erik Pieters left the goalkeeper with no chance and the Hornets had their third lead of the evening. 

The result sees Watford climb to fifth, but West Brom are now without a win in three games and find themselves in danger of missing out on the play-offs altogether.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Ken Sema (Watford)