Two traditional set piece goals gave the Baggies the prefect start, first Jonnie Evans nodding home a Chris Brunt cross followed by the provider notching the second courtesy of a deflected shot.

2-0 down at the break, Watford pulled a goal back and it wasn’t until the ever-improving Matt Philips netted following a pacy crossfield run that Baggies fans could feel reasonably sure victory was on the cards. As expected, Watford claimed that the red card they incurred following the headline-making mass brawl cost them the game, while Baggies players and fans felt we deserved the precious three points.

The question now is being asked is whether Albion can possibly retain this nosebleed position until the end of the season? For me the answer is a definite no due to the superiority of the big boys, starting with a visit to a Chelsea side fresh from their very impressive win against Manchester City.