Watford Secures 2-1 Win against Queens Park Rangers in Championship

Watford FC returned to winning ways in the Championship with a 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. The game came alive in the second half with an impressive brace from Jake Livermore securing the win for Watford.

The Hornets made four changes to their starting lineup, with Francisco Sierralta, Tom Dele-Bashiru, Yáser Asprilla, and Rhys Healey all included. Ryan Porteous and Ismaël Koné were named as substitutes due to illness. Mileta Rajović and Edo Kayembe missed out due to injury.

The match started with QPR having the first sight of goal, but Watford’s Ben Hamer was not troubled. The game was characterized by intermittent fouls and bookings for Sam Field, Kenneth Paal, and Jake Livermore. Ilias Chair had a free-kick opportunity for the hosts, but the shot sailed over the bar.

Watford gradually grew into the game and created chances of their own. Matheus Martins had the first shot on target for the Hornets, while Sierralta’s header hit the crossbar but was ruled offside. As half-time approached, Sinclair Armstrong‘s powerful effort was parried by Hamer, and a last-ditch challenge from Ryan Andrews denied Chair a scoring opportunity.

The second half started with an immediate chance for QPR as Armstrong raced past Sierralta, but Hamer made a good save. The tempo of the game increased, with Chakvetadze’s shot being well-held by Asmir Begović. Watford then took the lead when Livermore curled a shot into the top right corner from outside the box.

Jake Livermore doubled Watford’s advantage with another well-placed shot along the ground. QPR fought back through substitute Paul Smyth, who crossed the ball for Lyndon Dykes to tap in and reduce the deficit. In the closing moments, Jimmy Dunne‘s curling shot was brilliantly saved by Hamer, ensuring Watford held onto the lead.

The victory sees Watford rise to eighth in the Championship table, just one point away from the playoff places. The Hornets have now gone unbeaten in five away matches.