WATFORD, England (Interstat) — Watford secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion in a Championship match on Wednesday, overcoming an early deficit with a pair of first-half goals at Vicarage Road Stadium.

The result defied pregame projections, as statistical models heavily favored the home side. Interstat’s game simulator had predicted a 1-1 draw, while its ELO system gave Watford an 80.7 percent probability to win.

West Brom Albion, the visiting side, struck first in the 34th minute. Substitute Isaac Price, who had just entered the match, found the net to give his team the early advantage. The lead was short-lived, however, as Watford’s Imran Louza leveled the score just four minutes later in the 38th minute.

The decisive goal came from midfielder Rocco Vata in the 58th minute, securing all three points for the Hornets. The match-winning play was set up by another substitute, Aune Heggebø, who was credited with the assist on Vata’s goal.

The contest grew increasingly physical following the flurry of first-half scoring. West Brom’s Callum Styles, who also came off the bench and recorded an assist on Price’s opening goal, received a yellow card in the 42nd minute. Watford’s Heggebø was also booked in the 46th minute.

With the win, Watford improved its Championship record to three wins, four losses and one draw. Across all competitions this season, the club now stands at three wins, five losses and one draw. The loss snapped a two-match winning streak for West Brom Albion in the league, dropping their second-tier record to five wins, three losses and one draw. Their overall record across all competitions moved to five wins, four losses and two draws.

West Brom Albion entered the match following a 2-1 victory over Preston North End last Saturday. Watford was looking to rebound from a 1-0 road loss to Sheffield United on the same day.

Looking ahead, West Brom Albion travels to face Ipswich Town in the Championship this Saturday. Watford will also be on the road Saturday, taking on Coventry City.

West Brom’s upcoming schedule includes a home match against Sheffield Wednesday on Nov. 1 and a trip to Charlton Athletic on Nov. 4. Watford’s next fixtures feature a home game against Middlesbrough on Nov. 1 followed by an away match at Ipswich Town on Nov. 4.