Arsenal’s frailties in the Premier League this season continued as a late winner from Tom Cleverley left them leaving Vicarage Road without a point. Defender Per Mertesacker gave the Gunners an early lead but Hector Bellerin gave away a second-half penalty, which was easily converted by Troy Deeney.
Mesut Ozil and Alex Iwobi missed chances to push Arsenal back on the front foot as Cleverly made them pay, scoring a winner in the final minute of the game. Here are the player ratings for the Gunners in this tie:
Petr Cech (6)
A decent display by the veteran who won everything thrown at him and was unlucky to be on the losing side.
Laurent Koscielny (4)
Failed to marshal his troops at the back and was often found wanting whenever Watford turned up the heat, late in the game.
Per Mertesacker (5)
Just too stagnant at the heart of the Arsenal defence, as he was often beaten by pace but also scored the only goal for the Gunners on the night from a corner.
Nacho Monreal (4)
Should have done better in the build-up to the second goal as he was stagnant and allowed Cleverley a point-blank shot.
Hector Bellerin (4)
Showed no composure on and off the ball and gave away the penalty that allowed Watford to crawl back.
Granit Xhaka (5)
Created the goal for Mertesacker and was solid with his midfield duties, winning the ball back a number of times. Needs to be better with the ball though!
Mohamed Elneny (5)
Was in the starting XI to give Arsenal some mettle to the midfield but failed to shield his backline or have an effect at the other end.
Sead Kolasinac (4)
Was often caught out of position and was tracking back for too much of the game as he failed to put the pressure on the home side.
Alex Iwobi (5)
The most consistent attacker for Arsenal on the night, Iwobi had a chance to double Arsenal’s lead, but he missed, giving Watford a chance to get back into the game.
Danny Welbeck (5)
Was a constant threat for Watford all night but he failed to trouble Gomes with any of his efforts.
Alexandre Lacazette (4)
Got a couple of half chances but was usually reduced to one-touch football on the edge of the box, giving him no time to settle or score.
Substitutes
Mesut Ozil (5)
Looked good on the ball every time in possession but his inclusion left Arsenal a bit short at the back, which incidentally cost them at the end.
Olivier Giroud (5)
Hardly had a chance where he could have helped Arsenal to a goal.
Rob Holding – N/A
