Four second-half goals from Vakoun Bayo gave Watford a stunning 6-2 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.
Michael Smith quickly cancelled out Ryan Porteous’ opener before penalties from Tom Ince and Bayo put Watford in the driving seat.
Bayo bagged his second and claimed the match ball either side of Pol Valentin’s reply for the Owls and then claimed his fourth in the closing stages.
Wednesday boss Danny Rohl made eight changes to the side that lost on penalties to Brentford in the Carabao Cup, with skipper Barry Bannan and top-scorer Josh Windass returning to the starting XI.
Watford head coach Tom Cleverley made a couple of switches from the 1-0 win at home to Blackburn, with Pierre Dwomoh making his first start and Bayo coming in.
The hosts started on top with Di’Shon Bernard going close with a header twice in quick succession, first from Marvin Johnson’s cross from the left and then from Shea Charles’ free-kick from the right.
Smith nearly found himself on the end of a low cross but Hornets skipper Daniel Bachmann got down well to intercept.
Watford had their first chance when Bayo set up Yasser Larouci but he blazed his shot over the bar.
The visitors did take the lead in the 29th minute after Kwadwo Baah drove to the byline and cut back for Porteous to smash past keeper James Beadle.
Wednesday equalised five minutes later when Johnson’s cross was met by Smith and his volley wrong-footed the Watford keeper.
The Owls nearly went ahead after Smith flicked round the corner but Windass was denied by some brave keeping by Bachmann.
Watford restored their lead after 52 minutes when Bernard handled from a cross and referee Sam Allison pointed to the spot, Ince stepping up and sending Beadle the wrong way.
The Hornets were awarded another penalty when Dominic Iorfa tangled with Bayo, who slotted home in the 58th minute and that was the start of a second-half onslaught from the Ivorian.
Bayo got his second after 67 minutes when he headed in Giorgi Chakvetadze’s cross from the right of the penalty area.
Wednesday got one back in the 82nd minute as two substitutes combined. Jamal Lowe crossed in from the left and Valentin arrived at the back post to volley home.
Any hope of a comeback was shortlived as Bayo beat the offside trap and calmly chipped Beadle to give Watford their fifth and his third minutes later.
Bayo helped himself to his fourth in the 88th minute when he tapped home from Larouci’s low cross.
[(Athletic Bilbao) Strength]: 1. To secure their first win this season, Athletic Bilbao are undoubtedly motivated in this game.2. On July 4, Athletic Bilbao officially announced Nico Williams' contract extension until 2035, with his release clause increasing by at least 50% to over 87 million euros.3. Athletic Bilbao won 13 of the last 20 home games across all competitions, showcasing outstanding ...
[(Manchester United F.C.) Strength]: 1. As it's the opening match of the new season, Manchester United F.C. are highly motivated to secure their first victory at Old Trafford.2. Manchester United F.C. have focused their summer rebuild on the attack, spending heavily on a new trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, which should improve their offensive output.3. Manchester United F....
[(Nottingham Forest) Strength]: 1. This game is the first home match of Nottingham Forest in the new season, so the team will surely hope to start with a win.2. Nottingham Forest finished 7th with 19 wins, 8 draws, and 11 losses in the Premier League last season, once entering the top four.3. Nottingham Forest had a home record of 9 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses in last season's Premier League, rank...
[(Chelsea F.C.) Strength]: 1. This summer, Chelsea F.C.'s most significant reinforcements came in the attacking line. Liam Delap and Joao Pedro joined early, participated in the Club World Cup, and quickly integrated into the team, both scoring goals. Meanwhile, young talent Estevao Willian, before his transfer, scored a stunning goal for Palmeiras against Chelsea F.C. in the same tournament. The ...
[(Gwangju FC) Strength]: 1. Gwangju FC's newly signed foreign forward Holmbert Fridjonsson made his K League 1 debut as a substitute in the last match and could be in line for a starting spot in this game.[(Gwangju FC) Weakness]: 1. Gwangju FC's foreign striker Jasir Asani is set to join Iranian club Esteghlal F.C. He missed the last league match due to an ankle injury and remains doubtful for thi...
[(Gimcheon Sangmu FC) Strength]: 1. Gimcheon Sangmu FC forward Park Sang Hyeok scored 8 goals in the league this season, becoming the most stable scoring point of the team.2. Gimcheon Sangmu FC drew 0-0 with Gangwon FC in the last league game on the road. They were unbeaten with 2 wins and 2 draws in the last 4 league games, revealing stable form.3. Gimcheon Sangmu FC scored 8 goals in the last 5 ...
[(Fagiano Okayama) Strength]: 1. Fagiano Okayama midfielder Hiroto Iwabuchi scored a brace in the last league game, helping the team take all 3 points.2. Fagiano Okayama's top scorer Takaya Kimurab scored a goal in the last league game, ending a nearly three-month goal drought as he found the net for the first time in seven games.3. Fagiano Okayama won 3-0 over Gamba Osaka in the last league game ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Sunderland top of the table Richarlison(R9) vs Burnley lol This Twins A fan asked Haaland what he thought of the city of Wolverhampton and Haaland's response was brilliant Ah shit, here we go again.Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss)...
Former PSG star joins rivals Paris FCFormer Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Kevin Trapp is all set to complete his move from Eintracht Frankfurt to newly promoted Ligue 1 side Paris FC, according to Sky Sports Florian Plettenberg.Paris FC have reached full agreement with the Bundesliga side and will pay a transfer fee of €1m for the 35-year-old custodian, who will sign a three-year contract w...
Tottenham encourage Roma push for BissoumaTottenham are encouraging interest from AS Roma for Yves Bissouma.After being dropped due to poor timekeeping for their European Super Cup defeat to PSG, the Daily Mail says Spurs are prepared to sell the midfielder.Roma are keen and see Bissouma as a potential replacement for Manu Kone, who is wanted by Inter Milan.Spurs are willing to sell at a starting ...
- 1 TIPS - Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas VS Liga Deportiva Universitaria
- 2 Hummels snubs son for match with new model girlfriend
- 3 Brentford Agree Deal to Sign Dango Ouattara From Bournemouth
- 4 Agent of Real Madrid defender David Alaba responds to Saudi Pro League transfer speculation as Spanish giants ponder selling 33-year-old after injury woes
- 5 TIPS - Juventude VS Corinthians
- 6 TIPS - Club Necaxa VS Club Leon
- 7 TIPS - Atletico San Luis VS Cruz Azul
- 8 TIPS - Cambuur Leeuwarden VS FC Oss
- 9 Alexander Isak goes on STRIKE! Forward Refuses to Play Newcastle Opener as Liverpool Linger
- 10 TIPS - Kashima Antlers VS Avispa Fukuoka