Share this @internewscast.com

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

When Watford thumped QPR 4-0 to begin their Championship season in resounding fashion – a result that led to Hoops boss Gareth Ainsworth proclaiming them as promotion favourites – they would not have expected to wait six weeks for their next victory. 

But Hornets boss Valerien Ismael will be breathing a sigh of relief after a dramatic 2-0 win over 10-man Birmingham thanks to a stunning injury-time header from Danish striker Mileta Rajovic, before academy graduate Ryan Andrews netted his first goal for the club. 

Rajovic made it three goals in just two starts since his move from Swedish club Kalmar last month after his looping header from Yaser Asprilla’s cross nestled in the far corner to send Hornets supporters into delirium and end Birmingham’s unbeaten start to the season. 

For the Blues, they shouldn’t lose heart after what had been a dream opening month to the campaign. Seemingly marooned in the lower reaches of the Championship for years, beset by financial and off-field problems, they’ve received a new lease of life since being taken over by American investors, including NFL legend Tom Brady. 

Watford had to wait six weeks for their second victory of the season but will enjoy their dramatic victory against Birmingham

Watford had to wait six weeks for their second victory of the season but will enjoy their dramatic victory against Birmingham

Watford had to wait six weeks for their second victory of the season but will enjoy their dramatic victory against Birmingham

Valerian Ismael will be breathing a sigh of relief after a stagnant few weeks for the Hornets

Valerian Ismael will be breathing a sigh of relief after a stagnant few weeks for the Hornets

Valerian Ismael will be breathing a sigh of relief after a stagnant few weeks for the Hornets

Birmingham's Lee Buchanan (left) was sent off late on for a second bookable offence

Birmingham's Lee Buchanan (left) was sent off late on for a second bookable offence

Birmingham’s Lee Buchanan (left) was sent off late on for a second bookable offence

Blues boss John Eustace – a former Watford captain who this week distanced himself from links with the Rangers job – has transformed a previously stale team into a vibrant young side.

The feel-good factor was evident as they almost had a dream start. Within 40 seconds, the nomadic Oliver Burke – making his debut for what is now his 10th club – fed Fulham loanee Jay Stansfield who forced Daniel Bachmann into a smart save.

A familiar pattern then began to develop as the hosts went on to dominate the ball with Brazilian wonderkid Matheus Martins forcing Ruddy into a good save from a free kick.

Watford centre back Ryan Porteous had been marking Harry Kane for Scotland just a few days ago, and he made an impact in the opposition box this time but saw an effort crash against the post.

Ismael is now in his third job in English football after short stints at Barnsley and West Brom when ‘Val Ball’ became synonymous with aggressive, high-intensity and direct play, but this version could not be more different.

Watford's Edo Kayembe and Birmingham's Ivan Sunjic had words during Championship clash

Watford's Edo Kayembe and Birmingham's Ivan Sunjic had words during Championship clash

Watford’s Edo Kayembe and Birmingham’s Ivan Sunjic had words during Championship clash

Birmingham came close to ensuring they returned home with a point but were outfoxed late

Birmingham came close to ensuring they returned home with a point but were outfoxed late

Birmingham came close to ensuring they returned home with a point but were outfoxed late

But John Eustace has much to be proud of in his vibrant and developing young Blues side

But John Eustace has much to be proud of in his vibrant and developing young Blues side

But John Eustace has much to be proud of in his vibrant and developing young Blues side

The hosts showed the patient build-up style they are developing, but the visitors remained solid, before attempting to break at pace.

Ismael used his substitutes early as they continued to control the clash, but it was the bright Stansfield that almost offered a sucker punch as a stunning turn and curling effort clipped the outside of the post with Bachmann beaten. 

And Watford had their skipper to thank as he produced a fine double save from Scott Hogan at point blank range before Birmingham left back Lee Buchanan received a second yellow card on 87 minutes for a foul on the dangerous Asprilla. 

He was clapped off the pitch by the travelling fans in anticipation of what looked set to be a hard-earned point, but Watford’s injury-time heroics meant they were left cursing their luck on the way back to the West Midlands. 

MATCH FACTS

Watford (4-1-2-3): Bachmann © 7.5; Ngakia 7 (Andrews 77), Porteous 7, Hoedt 7, Morris 6 (Lewis 45, 7); Sierralta 6.5; Louza 7 Dele-Bashiru 7 (Chakveatadze 65, 6.5); Ince 6 (Asprilla 56, 7), Rajovic 7.5, Martins 7 (Kone 65, 7)

Substitutes not used: Hamer (GK), Livermore, Pollock, Kayembe

Manager: Valerien Ismael 7.5

Scorers: Rajovic 90+1, Andrews 90+6

Booked: Hoedt

Birmingham City (4-2-3-1): Ruddy 6.5; Drameh 7, Sanderson © 6.5, Long 6.5, Buchanan 5; Bielik 7, Sunjic 6.5; Burke 6 (Bacuna 71, 5.5), Stansfield 7.5 (Longelo 87), Anderson 6 (Miyoshi 67, 6); Hogan 6.5 (James 87)

Substitutes not used: Etheridge (GK); Roberts, Gardner, Khela, Aiwu

Manager: John Eustace 7

Booked: Drameh, Bielik, Stansfield, Sunjic, Longelo

Sent off: Buchanan

Referee: Keith Stroud 6

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Aston Villa Advised Against £40M Marcus Rashford Transfer Following Concerns

Marcus Rashford’s time at Aston Villa should be over, according to club…

Australian Boxer’s Angry Manager Plans to File Official Complaint with WBA After Surprising KO Loss to Fabio Wardley

Fabio Wardley delivered a stunning right-hand punch, sending Australian boxer Justis Huni…

New Rangers Manager Russell Martin Claims to Have Consistently Silenced Doubters Throughout His Career

Russell Martin has vowed to win over his critics after being unveiled…

Exploring Ayden Heaven’s Rise: Why Ruben Amorim Sees the 18-Year-Old as Man United’s Future Star

When Ayden Heaven strode out onto the Old Trafford pitch ahead of…

Ruben Amorim Explains Decision on Leaving Man Utd Ahead of Chelsea Match

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has ensured fans that he does…

Everton Sets £70 Million Price Tag for Man United’s Target Jarrad Branthwaite; West Ham Offered ‘Portugal’s Jack Grealish’; Burnley Interested in Liam Rosenior

The transfer window opens on Friday and it should be a busy…

Real Madrid Nearing Deal for Dean Huijsen, Outpacing Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool

Real Madrid’s chase of Bournemouth center-back Dean Huijsen is reportedly a “done…

Champions League Finalists Eyeing Joshua Zirkzee for Transfer

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is reported to have emerged as a…

Matildas Star Katrina Gorry and Fiancée Embark on New Sporting Adventure Days Before Their Wedding

Matildas superstar Katrina Gorry and Clara Markstedt are set to get married…

Football Stars Like Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Luis Suarez Reimagined as Boxers in DAZN Ad Ahead of New £100m Prize Club World Cup Tournament

Reimagined versions of Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Luis Suarez took centre…