Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal seem to have found some form this week as they have picked up three points from Watford’s trip to Emirates after putting in a solid performance at San Siro, earlier in the week. The Gunners started this game on the front foot and opened the scoring through Shkodran Mustafi, who met Mesut Ozil’s free kick, to give his side the lead in the 8th minute.
Though Watford managed to get to the break at 1-0 and pushed the Gunners early in the second half, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan came to the party as they set each other up for a goal apiece, to see their side home comfortable.
Troy Deeney missed a penalty at 2-0 as Petr Cech made his first penalty save in an Arsenal shirt, pushing his side to within 8 points of Chelsea in the 5th place. Here are the player ratings for Arsenal in this game:
Petr Cech (7)
Had a couple of half saves to make, which he did pretty well but the save from the spot against Deeney won his side the game comfortably, as he finally managed to keep his 200th clean sheet.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (5)
Struggled against Richarlison, gave away the pen with a foul on Pereyra and was not his usual self, as he seems low on confidence.
Shkodran Mustafi (6)
Was afforded a free header that helped him put his side in the lead and though struggled against Deeney, did well to keep a clean sheet.
Rob Holding (6)
The physical battle against the Watford attack was a bit overwhelming for him but he stuck to his task and saw out the game comfortably.
Sead Kolasinac (7)
Was rarely tested at the back and was afforded space to venture forward where he put in some decent crosses, creating a few chances for his side.
Granit Xhaka (6)
Was up to the task on the night, keeping the pressure on the Watford midfield and helping his side control the game.
Mohamed Elneny (5)
Was over-run by Watford, as he was second to the ball far too often for Arsenal’s liking.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (8)
Set up Aubameyang’s goal and scored one late on, should have won a penalty and was an ever-present threat for the Hornets.
Mesut Ozil (7)
A superb ball to find Mustafi for Arsenal’s first and was involved in almost every attack the Gunners put together on the night.
Alex Iwobi (6)
Though not as productive as the other three, the youngster did well to retain possession and help his side stay on the front foot.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (7)
Though not his best performances, the Gabon international showed his class with a calm finish and also set up Mkhitaryan for his late goal, winning his side three comfortable points.
Substitutes
Danny Welbeck (5)
Came on for Iwobi but failed to add any presence in the attack.
Calum Chambers (5)
Replaced Mustafi who was struggling with a niggle and did well to see off the game.
Jack Wilshere (5)
Added some flair to the midfield late in the game.