Watford Come From Behind to Beat Preston 2-1, Opponents Suffer Fifth League Defeat in Six Matches

Watford came from behind to beat Preston 2-1 at Vicarage Road, handing their opponents their fifth defeat in their last six league matches. The hosts were poor in the first half, but scored twice within seven minutes after the break to complete the comeback.

Preston scored early and dominated the first half

In the 6th minute, Callum Lang put the visitors ahead. Preston scored from their first attack: Johnny Kenny won a corner on the left, Alfie Devine delivered the corner, and Leo Leroy cleverly let the ball run through for Jordan Thompson outside the edge of the penalty area. Thompson struck a shot, and home goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia could only push it onto the left post. Lang followed up to score, and although Ravaglia tried to claw the ball away, it had already crossed the line. It was Lang's third goal in his last two matches.

In the 18th minute, Preston had a chance to make it 2-0. Kenny surged down the left, with the home defence completely exposed, and his cross found Lang accurately, but Lang's shot was saved directly by Ravaglia. Throughout the first half, Preston looked like the better and more composed side.

Watford scored twice in seven minutes after the break to turn the match around

Watford manager Alessio Dionisi made a decisive adjustment at halftime. Due to injuries, Dionisi had only eight substitutes available for the match, including two goalkeepers.

Watford changed the course of the game in the second half. Edo Kayembe and Mamadou Doumbia scored two goals within seven minutes to complete the comeback for the hosts.

The victory ended Watford's poor run, while Preston suffered their fifth defeat in their last six league matches. They had hoped to extend their previous unbeaten run at Vicarage Road, but ultimately allowed the hosts to seize the opportunity and complete the turnaround.