Siriki Dembele scored a goal eight minutes before the end of the game, leading Oxford to a crucial 1-0 victory against Watford who had 10 players. This win marked Oxford's first victory in 10 Championship matches.
Dembele, playing as a winger, scored with his right foot from a close distance of 10 yards after the referee, Bobby Madley, allowed the play to continue following a foul on Mark Harris.
This goal was Dembele's first for the club and came shortly after Watford's James Abankwah received a second yellow card and was sent off for fouling Przemy Placheta.
The defeat comes as a setback for Watford's ambitions to secure a spot in the play-offs. They struggled with their finishing throughout the match, missing several opportunities by shooting high or wide.
The game, played at a windy Kassam Stadium, lacked quality despite the efforts shown by both teams. Oxford manager Gary Rowett made five changes to the team compared to their previous match against Hull, with players like Ben Nelson, Cameron Brannagan, and Dembele returning to the starting lineup.
With tough matches against Sheffield United, Leeds, and Sunderland approaching at home, Oxford knew the importance of winning this game to avoid relegation.
The match started openly, with Tom Ince and Placheta having early attempts at goal. The home team showed strong defensive efforts, making it hard for Watford to create clear chances. However, Watford's Chakvetadze came close with a free-kick from 25 yards.
In the second half, Dembele missed a chance to score from a cross by Placeta. Watford had their opportunities as well, with Edo Kayembe and other players missing the target with their shots.
Despite Watford's efforts to break the deadlock by making substitutions, it was Dembele who found the back of the net to secure the win for Oxford.