Watford's promotion campaign to the Championship was restarted with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Norwich thanks to a late goal from replacement Vakoun Bayo.
The Hornets entered the match at Carrow Road having suffered two straight losses, but they put on a better performance that was rewarded four minutes before the end of normal time when the youthful frontman scored following a quick breakaway.

It was Norwich's fourth straight loss in what is likely Allan Russell's final game as interim manager; the Canaries plan to identify Dean Smith's permanent replacement later this week.
Watford had a strong opening, with Keinan Davis looping a shot just wide after being denied by Angus Gunn at the near post. After Davis had identified Ismaila Sarr in a risky situation, Sam McCallum made an outstanding block to save the hosts from what appeared to be a goal-bound shot.

The managerless Canaries had a ton of possession in the first half but didn't do much with it. However, in the 35th minute, Grant Hanley appeared to have given the Canaries the lead by heading in a deep cross from Marcelino Nunez. However, the offside flag was raised right away, and replays showed that the assistant had made the right call.
After the break, the Hornets continued to appear to be the more threatening team, and Gunn made a great save at point blank range to stop Bayo. However, Norwich persisted, and in the 69th minute, Nunez, following some sharp approach play from the home team, scuffed a powerful shot just wide, they finally had a significant effort on goal.

Gabriel Sara then set up Josh Sargent to hit the post, and when Bachmann came out to block, he was struck, necessitating extensive medical attention.
After some good work on the left from Teemu Pukki, Norwich now appeared to be the team more likely to open the scoring. Nine minutes from time, Nunez's first-time effort was just inches wide.

However, Watford took the lead with 86 minutes remaining after scoring a beautiful breakaway goal. The hosts were defeated as a result of a careless turnover of the ball in midfield. Sarr made a breakaway on the left before setting up an unguarded Bayo for a side foot goal from inside the six-yard box.
Even after nine minutes of added time, the hosts were unable to find a way to get back into the game. Nunez's deflected shot went just wide, and Sara's inswinging free kick hit the woodwork.

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Deye Muel

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