Middlesbrough and Watford faced off in a tightly contested Championship match, with Watford edging out a 1-0 victory. The pivotal moment came in the first half when Watford scored the lone goal at the 39th minute, capitalizing on a lapse in Middlesbrough’s defensive organization. This early lead allowed Watford to manage the game by disrupting Middlesbrough’s attacking rhythm through strategic fouls, leading to both teams collecting a total of two yellow cards each.

Middlesbrough’s attacking efforts were robust, reflected by their earning of eight corner kicks compared to Watford's five. However, despite this numerical advantage in set-piece opportunities, Middlesbrough failed to convert these chances into goals. Their only recorded offside suggests they were cautious in their forward pushes, perhaps too much so, as they could not break down Watford's disciplined defensive line.

Watford’s ability to minimize defensive errors and play with precision proved vital. Their zero offsides indicate a focused attacking discipline, and despite fewer corner opportunities, their single goal sufficed. Both teams engaged in a physical contest, leading to several fouls and cautions. Still, Watford's early goal gave them leverage to dictate the game's tempo, ultimately deciding the outcome despite a balanced display of discipline and grit from both sides.

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