6 7 6 6 6 7 6 7 6 7 5
Three goals and a penalty save... against Deeney!
Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan score, representing something of a new dawn.
Aubameyang missed other chances and does not look well suited to leading the line, while Mkhitaryan worked hard.
Both sides missed chances and if it had not been for Cech and some determined defending from Shkodran Mustafi then it might have been a different story.
But Arsenal’s best player was Mohamed Elneny, who was comfortably the best performer on the pitch in the first half.
Arsenal’s breakthrough came after eight minutes when Mesut Ozil’s precision free-kick found Mustafi and the Germany defender powered a header into the far corner.
Arsenal could have gone further ahead but Ozil and Aubameyang were denied by Watford keeper Orestis Karnezis while Watford’s Richarlison twice went close and Roberto Pereyra was guilty of one of the misses of the season from close range.
Arsenal got their second after 59 minutes when Mkhitaryan made a terrific run and then played in Aubameyang who rounded the keeper and scored into an empty net.
Then just over a minute later, Ainsley Maitland-niles tripped Roberto Pereyra to concede a penalty. Up stepped Deeney and Cech made a terrific save which brought the roof off the stadium. Incredibly, that was Cech’s first save from 16 spot-kicks he has faced in Arsenal colours.
The Gunners got their third when Ozil’s cross was not cleared, Aubameyang pulled it back to set up Mkhitaryan to fire home.
It was not entirely convincing but it got the job done and when Arsenal needed an extra bit of class and quality they did have the players to make a difference.
PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE
Two terrific saves then dropped a clanger for Mkhitaryan Janmaat Good partnership down the right with Femenia, nice quality at times Mariappa Battled in defence, put his foot in and did pretty well overall Prodl Rock solid. Battled hard and always found a way to come out on top
Holebas
Good delivery from set pieces, caused anxiety in the Arsenal defence Doucoure No wonder big clubs are circling, has great energy and presence Capoue
Solid performance in Watford’s midfield engine room Femenia Excellent going forward and his crossing was a real threat Pereyra Guilty of one of the misses of the season, won a penalty Richarlison His pace caused major problems. Forced terrific save from Cech Deeney
Missed a penalty. Guess that takes cojones. Bet he regrets saying that
Hughes (Femenia 62) Okaka (Pereyra 67) 6; Britos (Janmaat 80)