Derby County 0-1 Watford: Joao Pedro’s curling iron gives the Hornets victory

Joao Pedro’s superb curling shot earned Watford victory at Derby County in a championship match that would otherwise lack quality and incident.

Until that point, neither team had done enough to justify the three points, although Watford looked the most threatening.

The Hornets tried throughout, but were often disappointed by the final pass, while also having strong appeals for a rejected penalty after halftime when Nathaniel Chalobah’s shot appeared to hit the arm of Derby’s George Evans.

The clearest view of the home team’s goal came immediately after the Brazilian’s first game for the visitors, with Wayne Rooney coming out from inside the area.

The former England captain also threw a stoppage time free kick on the roof of the net with goalkeeper Ben Foster stretched across his goal, but the late flurry from the hosts did little to mask a bland display.

The result leaves the Rams still looking for a first home win of the season, while they have won just one of their seven games at Pride Park since football was resumed in June.

The victory of Watford, who have won three of their five games after relegation from the Premier League, places them in the play-off positions.

He also ended a 10-game winless streak on the road that dates back to his time in the top flight.