Sky Sports journalist Jessica Creighton has blasted Watford’s defence against West Brom after John Swift’s free-kick put the Baggies ahead.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News (20 September, 8:02 pm), Creighton was damning of Watford’s ability to contain Carlos Corberan’s men, citing the “needless” challenge on Okay Yokuslu in the buildup while Julian Warren heaped praise on goalscorer John Swift’s “well-taken” effort.
In a goal-heavy first half, West Brom found themselves losing 1-0 after just three minutes, but the Hornets gave away a foul just outside the penalty area. John Swift’s direct effort put the Baggies back on level terms in a moment of magic from the forward.
Creighton said: “It all comes from a needless turnover from Watford. They give the ball away just a few yards outside their own 18-yard box. John Swift stands over the ball to take the free-kick, wraps his right foot around it beautifully.
“The goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann almost pre-empts it, moves to his right, the ball swings to his left and into the top corner. Could the Watford wall have perhaps done a bit better there? Great free-kick from John Swift.”
Julian Warren added: “It was a really well-taken free-kick, wasn’t it? Let’s have a look at it one more time. That’s goal number four of the season in six games for John Swift. He’s started the campaign very nicely indeed.”
Moment of magic
The Baggies needed something special after conceding so early in the game at the hands of Tom Ince, and Swift’s expertly taken free-kick gave them just that.
Corberan’s men fought hard after letting themselves down early in the game. Watford past the ball around the Baggies’ defence with ease before Ince slotted away the game’s opening goal.
However, Swift had the pick of the bunch. Daniel Bachmann was rooted in his position as the ball flew to his right-hand side, perhaps a poorly-positioned wall did little to help the Hornet’s shot-stopper.
Jed Wallace netted just three minutes later to give West Brom the lead, but it was short-lived after Matheus Martins brought it back to level pegging with Ince’s assist doubling his goal contributions at Vicarage Road on the night.
As Warren points out, Swift has emerged as a key goal threat in the Championship this season, with his set-piece stunner bringing his tally up to four for the campaign after crucial goals against Swansea and Middlesbrough.
