Vakoun Bayo’s brace propelled Watford above West Brom in the Championship play-off race, ending the Baggies’ impressive 13-game unbeaten streak.
Bayo opened the scoring in the first half with a header from Rocco Vata’s precise cross. The duo combined again shortly after the break, with Vata delivering another assist for Bayo to chest and volley into the bottom corner, doubling Watford’s advantage.
Jayson Molumby sparked hope for West Brom, slotting home from close range after a deflected shot fell his way. Despite a flurry of late corners and pressure, the visitors were unable to find an equalizer.
The victory marked Watford’s eighth win in 10 home games, lifting them to seventh in the table, level on points with sixth-placed Middlesbrough.
Watford’s starting lineup featured several changes, including teenager Rocco Vata, fresh from scoring their equalizer in the 1-1 midweek draw against Hull. Meanwhile, West Brom adjusted to a three-man defense, with captain Kyle Bartley returning from injury.
Vata almost broke the deadlock early, unleashing a right-footed volley that rattled the crossbar. West Brom enjoyed spells of possession but struggled to seriously test Watford keeper Daniel Bachmann, with attempts from Darnell Furlong and Uros Racic failing to hit the target.
Watford’s opener came from Giorgi Chakvetadze’s incisive play, unlocking the Albion defense to set up Vata, whose cross was expertly headed in by Bayo. Despite a late surge in the first half, West Brom couldn’t capitalize on opportunities, including a Karlan Grant effort that Bachmann saved.
The second half began with Watford asserting dominance as Vata and Bayo combined again for a stunning second goal. While the hosts pushed for a third, with efforts from Chakvetadze and Kwadwo Baah, it was West Brom who struck next. Mikey Johnston’s drive led to Molumby’s close-range finish, narrowing the deficit.
West Brom pressed for an equalizer, with John Swift and Furlong coming close in the dying moments, but Watford’s defense held firm, securing a vital win in their push for the play-offs.
Post-match reaction
Watford head coach Tom Cleverley told BBC Three Counties Radio:
“We knew the test we were facing and we’ve really risen to the challenge. It’s two teams with the same objectives and, with everyone around us winning yesterday, the pressure was compounded.
“We really wanted to take the game to them and had so many good pieces of play that led to dangerous moments around the box. On paper the team was very attacking and very young today and we asked a couple of players to do really big shifts.
“I thought (Kwadwo) Baah and (Rocco) Vata were excellent out of possession, we know what they bring to the team but doing the responsible job they did today meant we could go to a back four and the team performance was excellent.
“I’m really happy for (Vakoun) Bayo, he’s a player who sacrifices himself for the team but let’s not discount that he’s got nine in the league – he’s having a really productive season in front of goal.”