Armstrong gives Wolverhampton victory over Watford

Wolverhampton beat Watford 1-0 at Molineux in the Sky Bet Championship, with Adam Armstrong providing the decisive goal. His 35th-minute strike ended his drought and earned Wolves a win after a commanding display, although they could not extend their lead. Watford, meanwhile, are still without an away win this season: they have taken only one point from six trips and are one of just two Championship sides yet to win on the road.

For Armstrong, who returned from a back injury, the goal was his second league strike of the season. The 29-year-old also scored his first Championship goal for Wolves at Molineux, on his 450th EFL appearance. The result ended Wolverhampton’s wait for a home win after they had collected only one point from six in front of their supporters.

Wolves set the pace in the first half, giving Watford little room and winning eight corners. Rafiki Said had the first opening, but his first-time effort from distance went over. James came closer with a shot that narrowly cleared the angle. Said’s header from a Kieran Trippier cross then brought a save from Feredico Ravaglia. Marshall Munetsi missed a clear chance soon afterwards, turning Said’s inviting delivery wide.

Wolves’ pressure eventually told. Trippier sent a cross in from the right; Armstrong’s first attempt struck the post, but he followed up and scored from a tight angle. Before the break, Andre’s shot on the turn was blocked by Krepin Diatta, and Hugo Bueno curled a long-range free-kick over. Watford responded after half-time: Hector Kyprianou’s diving header from a Trippier cross forced Ravaglia into a save. Andre then tried from distance but sent his effort over.

Wolverhampton kept attacking. Doyle’s shot was deflected wide before Ravaglia tipped away Ladislav Krejci’s header. Wolves also came close to a second from a corner: the ball hit Mattie Pollock before Jordan Zemura cleared it off the line. Despite those chances, Armstrong’s goal remained the only one of the match.