Joao Pedro scored a brace to help Watford produce one of the most comfortable football results of the weekend in the Championship. The Hertfordshire team recovered from their weekend loss to Coventry thanks to goals in either half. The hosts brought in Yaser Asprilla and Christian Kabasele while Reading made five changes from their loss to Preston by bringing in Sam Hutchinson, Tyrese Fornah, Lucas Joao, Ovie Ejaria, and Amadou Mbengue.
Watford had an early advantage despite Ken Sema’s six-minute free-kick rebound shot that went well over the crossbar. After 15 minutes, their strong start was rewarded when Pedro scored from the penalty spot after being brought down in the area by Ejaria. The Brazilian’s fifth goal of the year seemed to give Watford more motivation. After a wonderful link-up play with Ismaila Sarr, Keinan Davis’ close-range effort was saved after 21 minutes. When 30 minutes, Reading’s bad start grew even worse as goalkeeper Joe Lumley had to leave the field after Pedro stepped on his foot during a challenge and was replaced by Dean Bouzanis.
After 34 minutes, the visitors produced their first attempt when Fornah floated a free kick just a little bit too high to cause concern following Asprilla’s foul on Baba Rahman. After the break, Reading appeared to have more offensive intent and energy than they had in the first half. Despite their early pressure, they only had one notable moment when Daniel Bachmann successfully recovered a corner kick from Tom Ince.
Samuel Kalu sent the ball to Pedro, who pulled his effort inches wide of the post. The visitors continued to push for an equalizer after Reading brought on Yakou Meite and Andy Carroll as replacements. After rounding Bouzanis, Sarr nearly put the game beyond reach, but Amadou Mbengue was able to head off the line. Four minutes from time, Pedro scored his second goal on the volley after Bouzanis mishandled his shot to give Watford the victory.
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