Roundup of the Championship: Watford defeats Derby, West Brom triumphs at Stoke – EFL CHAMPIONSHIP Roundup of the Championship: Watford defeats Derby, West Brom triumphs at Stoke – EFL CHAMPIONSHIP
Roundup of the Championship: Watford defeats Derby, West Brom triumphs at Stoke – EFL CHAMPIONSHIP

August 24, 2024

Roundup of the Championship: Watford defeats Derby, West Brom triumphs at Stoke – EFL CHAMPIONSHIP

On his return to Watford, Moussa Sissoko scored the game’s first goal as Derby lost 2-1 at Vicarage Road. The Rams took the lead early on, thanks to a goal from Ebou Adams. Still, Vakoun Bayo’s incredible effort in the first half saw Derby assistant manager Richie Barker sent to the stands.

The 35-year-old former France midfielder Sissoko completed a comeback goal in the 76th minute to help Watford keep their perfect start to the season. Winning an EFL Cup tie in addition to all three Championship games. They are tied for first place in the early standings with leaders Sunderland, who defeated Burnley 1-0 behind a goal from Romaine Mundle.

With a 2-1 victory at Stoke, West Brom maintained their unbeaten record and achieved their second straight away win. Karlan Grant gave the Baggies the lead in a wild first half, but Lewis Koumas, a Liverpool loanee, tied the score with a goal on his home debut for the hosts. Josh Maja put West Brom back ahead with a beautifully struck goal that whistled past Viktor Johansson less than two minutes later.

Blackburn overcame a 2-1 deficit to defeat Oxford thanks to a goal from Arnor Sigurdsson, who netted his first of the year. After Mark Harris volleyed the U’s into a 44th-minute lead, a contender for goal of the season, John Eustace’s team showed resiliency and quality in rallying from behind. After a deft turn and shot by Joe Rankin-Costello in stoppage time, the hosts were still tied until Sigurdsson curled in a sophisticated winner seven minutes after coming off the bench in the 83rd minute. Des Buckingham’s team suffered an agonizing away loss for the second time in a row. They dominated the first half and had a chance to score sooner, but Idris El Mizouni misplaced his header.

Tommy Conway, a summer acquisition, scored a last-minute penalty to give Middlesbrough a 2-2 draw with Portsmouth at the Riverside. Following goals from Christian Saydee in the first half and Matt Clarke’s header for Boro, Championship newcomers Pompey appeared to be on course for their first victory of the year. Nevertheless, Boro, who had 29 attempts on Portsmouth’s goal, earned a point in the ninetieth minute thanks to a goal from Conway.

Norwich is still searching for their first league win of the season. At the same time, Sheffield United remains undefeated following a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Carrow Road. The Canaries took an unexpected lead in the 22nd minute through Josh Sargent. Still, the visitors equalized shortly after the half-hour mark with a composed finish from young captain Ollie Arblaster.

In a victorious debut for new manager Paul Heckingbottom, Will Keane scored the match’s only goal as Preston defeated Luton 1-0 at Deepdale. Keane netted his first goal of the season in the 39th minute, securing three points for Heckingbottom in his first game since taking over for Ryan Lowe. While Heckingbottom celebrated his return to management after leaving Sheffield United last December, Luton’s Rob Edwards faced increased scrutiny following his team’s second defeat in three league matches.

After Kasey Palmer’s goal in the second half against his former team, Bristol City, earned Coventry a well-deserved 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate, Mark Robins praised the midfielder. George Tanner’s volleyed goal after a corner gave Bristol City a well-earned lead in first-half stoppage time. Still, Coventry rallied and equalized in the 76th minute. Robins stated: “Kasey is Kasey, and what you get is what you get. Sometimes what you get is unbelievable and sometimes less so – but he is a top player.”

Lyndon Dykes, the Scotland striker, maybe leaving QPR, according to manager Marti Cifuentes, who made this suggestion after the team’s 1-1 draw with Plymouth. Despite using ten men for most of the game and finishing with nine, the visitors managed to secure a point. Adam Forshaw was sent off for a second yellow card shortly after Morgan Whittaker’s equalizer for Argyle just before the half-hour mark canceled Michael Frey’s opener. In stoppage time, teenage substitute Freddie Issaka was also sent off for a crude challenge. When asked why Dykes—who is unharmed—was omitted, Cifuentes responded as follows: “I just pick players based on availability. He wasn’t available.”

Neil Harris was relieved that Millwall had drawn goalless with Hull to earn their first point of the year. The disciplined guests immediately made a point and were unwavering from the start. “I asked for a clean-sheet mentality, “said Harris. “We discussed the importance of getting back on the coach with at least a point.”

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Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.