Standout figure's early strike lifts Watford past Derby | OneFootball

Luca Kjerrumgaard struck in the fifth minute, steering Watford to a 2-0 win over Derby County. The opener settled the game's rhythm and anchored a display built on duels and hard running.

The forward found space in the centre of the box and smashed into the roof of the net, giving the Hornets an immediate platform and forcing Derby to chase.

He then dominated early aerials and regained possession five times, relieving pressure and linking counters until he was withdrawn (68.). That presence pushed Derby's back line deeper and blunted their crossing threat.

Kjerrumgaard finished with one goal from his only attempt, four aerials won and three clearances, a target man shift that tilted territory the Hornets' way and kept attacks sticking in good areas.

With quick service into his body, Kjerrumgaard's hold up play pinned the Rams and let runners work off him, ensuring Watford controlled the key phases.

The Hornets rise from 12th to ninth in the Championship, while the Rams drop from sixth to eighth. Next up, the Hornets host Ipswich Town and Derby visit Hull.