Watford Triumphs Over West Bromwich Albion in Gracia's Return
Rocco Vata scored a second-half winner, securing a victory for Javi Gracia in his return to Watford against West Bromwich Albion.
The Spaniard received a warm welcome from the Vicarage Road crowd in his first home match since taking charge of the Hornets for a second time. Gracia watched as his team came from behind to defeat the Baggies.
Isaac Price opened the scoring for the visitors with a stunning strike, but Imran Louza equalized with a brilliant goal in the 38th minute.
Watford took the lead shortly before the hour mark thanks to Vata's goal.
The first 30 minutes of the match were lackluster, but both teams showcased their talents with impressive performances from their most dynamic players.
The Baggies took the lead in the 34th minute with a remarkable shot from Price. Mikey Johnston's left-wing pass was deftly dummied by Aune Heggebo, allowing Price the space to unleash a powerful 25-yard shot into the top corner.
However, the visitors' lead was short-lived, as Louza responded just four minutes later with a beautifully looping shot that sailed over Josh Griffiths into the top right corner.
Louza continued to dominate the match after the break, and Watford quickly found their second goal. The determined Marc Bola outpaced Albion substitute George Campbell and delivered a low cross from the left. A defensive mishap allowed Vata to drive the ball through a crowded box, giving Gracia's side the lead.
Price had a chance to equalize for Albion shortly after the hour mark, following good work by Mowatt, but his header in the 63rd minute was saved by Egil Selvik, and Heggebo was unable to convert the rebound.
That was the closest the visitors came to leveling the score.
Striker Daryl Dike made his season debut, but West Brom was unable to find an equalizer, leaving them without a victory at Vicarage Road since 2007.