"The Blues carried the greater attacking threat during the opening 45 minutes. Nathan Baxter made a smart save to deny Phil Neumann, but the Watford goalkeeper was powerless on the half-hour mark, when Paik stole possession in the visitors' half and drilled home. The hosts doubled their lead two minutes before half-time, with Gray turning home Jay Stansfield's deep cross at the far post."
"Birmingham registered their first victory in eight league meetings between the sides, and only their second in 13 encounters. Indeed, they came out marginally ahead on expected goals, generating 1.26 xG to Watford's 1.03. The Blues have now claimed 20 points at home this season, the joint-most in the Championship along with leaders Coventry City. Watford, who stay 15th in the table, missed the chance to move into the top half, suffered their first defeat in six league matches."
Birmingham City defeated Watford 2-1 at St. Andrew's, moving within a point of the Championship play-off places. Paik Seung-Ho opened the scoring on the half-hour after stealing possession, and Demarai Gray doubled the lead two minutes before half-time by turning home Jay Stansfield's cross. Watford reduced the deficit in the 61st minute through Othmane Maamma, his first goal for the Hornets, and Nathan Baxter made a notable save to deny Phil Neumann. Birmingham registered marginally higher expected goals (1.26 to 1.03), claimed 20 home points (joint-most), and recorded their first win in eight league meetings with Watford. Watford remain 15th and suffered their first league defeat in six matches.
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