During his time in Hertfordshire, the Senegalese attacker was known for delivering moments of brilliance, with several spectacular goals highlighting his first stint in England following his move from Rennes.
None were more iconic than his stunning strike at the Hawthorns in August 2022, marking his return to the EFL after Watford’s relegation from the Premier League.
It took Sarr just two matches in the Championship to make a significant impact, scoring an impressive goal from his own half that stunned the home fans just 12 minutes into the game.
Ismaila Sarr magic moment in Watford, West Bromwich Albion clash
Imagine the scene: It’s West Brom’s first home match of the 22/23 season, and the crowd at the Hawthorns is eager and excited to support their team against Watford. As is often the case with early season games, both teams are sizing each other up, with the first ten minutes lacking significant goal-scoring opportunities. As Craig Cathcart heads a clearance toward the halfway line, the game appears to be missing its spark.
Enter Ismaila Sarr, who defies expectations with a moment of brilliance. As he skillfully controls an aerial ball, he creates space for himself and launches a stunning strike from over 50 yards out, leaving David Button stranded.
The scene slows as Button realizes the futility of his attempt to intercept the shot. The ball sails past him into an empty net, sending Watford’s fans into raptures.
This display of vision, awareness, and technical skill epitomized Sarr’s time at Watford, showcasing why he was so highly regarded during his tenure with the club.
| Ismaila Sarr Watford league stats | |
|---|---|
| (All competitions: FBRef) | |
| Appearances | 118 |
| Starts | 108 |
| Goals | 33 |
| Assists | 16 |
To have him at their disposal for a season in the Championship was an absolute joy, as he tormented EFL defenders for a past time, as he went on to net ten times for the Hornets before moving to Marseille the summer after.
Ismaila Sarr’s Watford legacY
When Sarr transferred from Rennes to Watford in the summer of 2019 for a reported £27 million, there were high expectations for him as he joined the Hertfordshire team.
In his debut season, the Senegalese player demonstrated both brilliance and frustration. His energetic offensive play was often marred by his struggles to score, managing only five goals and four assists in that initial year.
Notable moments included a goal against Manchester United and a two-goal performance against Liverpool, which stood out as key highlights of his first season, showcasing his ability to deliver when the team needed him most.
During his time with Watford, Sarr frequently fluctuated between the Premier League and the Championship, but he shone brightly in helping the team secure promotion back to the top tier, contributing 17 goals during the 2020/21 season.
However, his most memorable moment came at the Hawthorns, where he left the home crowd in awe with his dazzling performance.
With hindsight, fans of West Bromwich Albion will come to fully appreciate the brilliance they witnessed that day, as one of the most thrilling players to grace the Football League displayed his exceptional talent in spectacular fashion.
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