Watford edged past Oxford United 2-1 in a tense Championship encounter at Vicarage Road, propelled by a first-half brace from Jeremy Ngakia that proved just enough to withstand a spirited Oxford fightback.

With the hosts searching for momentum to climb the table, Paulo Pezzolano’s side set the tone early, dominating possession and carving out a barrage of chances. Watford finished with 27 shots—10 on target—to Oxford’s 15, highlighting their attacking intent. The breakthrough arrived on the stroke of halftime, when Ngakia latched onto a deft pass inside the box and coolly slotted the opener past Jamie Cumming in the 45th minute.

Barely four minutes later, as Oxford reeled from the setback, Ngakia struck again in stoppage time, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to double Watford’s lead and send the home fans into raptures. The brace marked a career highlight for the versatile midfielder, who was central to Watford’s forward momentum throughout the game.

Oxford, managed by Gary Rowett and lining up in a solid 4-4-2, struggled for control and found themselves resorting to physicality, picking up four yellow cards including Cameron Brannagan’s early booking in the fifth minute and Michał Helik’s just before halftime. Yet they remained resilient, with Cumming making nine crucial saves to keep his side within reach.

The visitors rallied after the interval, increasing their attacking impetus. Substitutions brought renewed energy, and Oxford pulled one back late in the second half, injecting drama into the closing stages. Yet with Egil Selvik steady between the sticks and the Watford back three marshaling the box, the hosts held firm despite a flurry of Oxford corners and shots. Oxford’s Will Lankshear and Nik Prelec pressed for a late equalizer, but Watford’s disciplined defending and Selvik’s sharp reflexes stifled any route back.

The result reflects Watford’s growing confidence, with a sturdy midfield display from Nampalys Mendy and Imrân Louza anchoring their attack and transition play. Caleb Wiley and newcomer Nestory Irankunda impressed in wide areas, contributing to Watford’s commanding 57% possession and 447 completed passes (83% accuracy).

For Oxford, the defeat underscores the need for greater attacking fluidity, but their resolve and defensive heroics—especially from Cumming in goal—suggest positives to build on. Rowett’s side will hope to regroup quickly, with fixture congestion and survival in the Championship looming ever larger.

Watford’s victory, sealed by Ngakia’s clinical finishes and relentless pressure, lifts them clear of the relegation zone and brings fresh optimism to Vicarage Road—a result well documented in today’s highlight reels from Sky Sports and other major channels.

Key Moments:

• 45’ & 45+4’: Jeremy Ngakia scores both Watford goals.
• Watford: 27 shots, 10 on target; Oxford: 15 shots, 5 on target.
• Jamie Cumming’s nine saves kept Oxford in contention.
• Four bookings for Oxford, three for Watford, marking a fiercely contested midfield.

The Hornets now look to build on momentum, while the U’s must dig deep as the Championship campaign intensifies.