Watford produced a stylish comeback to defeat Leicester City 2-1 on Boxing Day, moving within touching distance of the Championship play-off spots. Othmane Maamma’s exquisite strike and a late Mattie Pollock header secured the win in a thrilling contest at Vicarage Road.

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Leicester Take Early Lead

The visitors appeared set for victory after just ten minutes, as Jordan James capitalised on smart team interplay to fire a low, precise shot into the far corner. Leicester’s quick start and dominance early on suggested a comfortable afternoon, but the Foxes’ inconsistency continued to haunt them.

Despite creating early chances, Leicester failed to extend their lead. A low strike from Stephy Mavididi was superbly saved by Watford goalkeeper Egil Selvik, after a poor clearance earlier in the match had left him exposed.

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Maamma’s Sublime Equaliser

Watford drew level just before half-time thanks to Othmane Maamma, who finished first-time with the outside of his right boot following a clever lay-off from Imran Louza. The goal exemplified Watford’s technical quality and clever attacking play, setting up a thrilling second half.

Other opportunities included a Luca Kjerrumgaard shot and a Pollock header ruled out for offside, demonstrating Watford’s growing attacking threat as the match progressed.

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Pollock Header Seals Victory

The decisive moment came later when Mattie Pollock rose highest to meet a well-placed delivery from Louza, heading home with bravery and precision. The goal gave Watford a deserved victory, their third win in five games, and placed them just one point outside the Championship play-off positions.

Watford’s performance was characterised by collective spirit, technical quality, and intelligent attacking play, impressing both supporters and manager Javi Gracia.

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Managers’ Reactions

Leicester City boss Marti Cifuentes described the result as “difficult to swallow” and criticised his team’s second-half performance:

“We started well and tried to push on… but we conceded after a mistake. We didn’t play a good second half… We need to do better; the players have more quality than they are showing.”

Meanwhile, Watford manager Javi Gracia praised his side’s resilience and teamwork:

“We were aware about the way to prepare… we kept believing in our plan and in the end we got what we wanted. Today we showed a good face and the spirit we need. It means we could show our quality.”

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Key Moments and Player Performances

• Othmane Maamma (Watford) – Scored a sublime equaliser with a first-time outside-foot strike.
• Mattie Pollock (Watford) – Scored the winning header and earned player of the match with a rating of 8.42.
• Jordan James (Leicester City) – Opened the scoring early with a measured finish.
• Egil Selvik (Watford) – Made crucial saves to keep Leicester at bay.

Final Score: Watford 2–1 Leicester City

The victory boosts Watford’s promotion hopes while Leicester’s poor run continues, leaving the Foxes with just 14 points from their past 13 matches and facing growing pressure to arrest their slump.