WATFORD

delicious for Arsenal and their fans was that Deeney had his penalty saved by Petr Cech on the hour, when he might have got his side back into it.

Wenger said of his men: “You cannot be a footballer without pride. You cannot be in this sport without pride. All these things affect you a little bit. How much I don’t know, but of course it plays a part.”

It was a sign of the times that Wenger made several changes to save players for Thursday’s Europa League round of 16 second leg with AC Milan.

Nevertheless, a win was important for him in the current climate. The number of empty seats at the Emirates told its own tale. But that 2-0 first-leg win in Milan last Thursday raised spirits after an awful spell and Arsenal made the bright start they needed, as Mesut Ozil put Aubameyang away, and Hornets goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis had to pull off a fine save.

Five minutes later, though, Ozil floated in a free kick from the left and Mustafi rose to head home.

Cech then saved with his legs from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra put a rebound horribly over after Cech parried Richarlison’s free-kick.

Ozil should have scored after dribbling through and then Cech stopped Richarlison’s header.

On the hour Mkhitaryan burst through and laid off a nice pass for Aubameyang to run on to, round Karnezis and slide the ball home.

A minute later came the moment Deeney will want to forget. Ainsley Maitland-Niles brought down Pererya, but Deeney put his spotkick too close to Cech, who saved to delirious cheers from the Gunners fans. Deeney had missed only one in the previous had gone.

As Arsenal pushed on, Ozil broke down the left, his low cross was not cleared and Aubameyang set up Mkhitaryan for a simple third goal.

Cech’s hopes of his 200th Premier League clean sheet were rarely threatened after that early spell, but when Sebastian Prodl blazed over from eight yards out a minute from time, he was safe.

Watford manager Javi Gracia said: “I don’t know if Troy’s words inspired Arsenal. I respect every team. I say what I feel and I’m responsible for my words. We did not take our chances.”

ARSENAL NEXT UP: Referee:

13.

(4-2-3-1): Goals: NEXT UP: WATFORD (4-4-2):

Watford’s chance

Booked: