Watford 1-0 Sunderland AFC
Sunderland’s last away match of the 2023-24 season concluded with a loss as Watford secured a victory at Vicarage Road.
Chris Rigg, making his 20th league appearance of the season, had the best chance in the first half but couldn’t find the target.
Watford nearly scored through Edo Kayembe in the second half, but Anthony Patterson made a crucial block.
Ryan Andrews broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, securing the win for Tom Cleverley’s side.
Sunderland made two changes for the game, with Trai Hume and Adil Aouchiche coming in for Timothee Pembele and Bradley Dack.
Rigg became just the fifth player in Championship history to reach 20 appearances while aged 16 or under, with Tommy Watson, 17, also on the bench.
Despite a shared possession, both teams struggled to find clear chances early on.
Watford’s Vakoun Bayo and Dan Ballard had attempts on goal, but Sunderland’s defense held firm.
Rigg and Hume had opportunities before halftime, but couldn’t capitalize.
The deadlock persisted despite efforts from Jack Clarke and Kayembe.
Watford eventually took the lead through Andrews with 27 minutes left in the game.
Patrick Roberts missed a chance to equalize late on, and Sunderland ended up losing the match.
The lineups for both teams featured notable players, with Watford making a substitution that impacted the game’s outcome.