SEVEN’S UP! ...but Gunners streak sees Cech DOWN & out

But it was two supersubs who made the difference to leave unlucky Watford boss Javi Gracia sick as a parrot.

And at least one of them, understudy goalkeeper Bernd Leno, will now have to be relied on more regularly after Petr Cech suffered a hamstring injury which is set to sideline him for up to three weeks.

Leno came off the bench to make a brilliant save from Troy Deeney with the game still scoreless and the Hornets beginning to dominate.

His fellow substitute Alex Iwobi then took full advantage, having a hand in Craig Cathcart’s own-goal and Mesut Ozil’s third goal in four games.

It was cruel on Watford, who had more shots on target and more big chances than Arsenal but now find themselves winless in their last four games.

Gunners boss Unai Emery said: “Leno’s performance was very high. He helped us today. Alex Iwobi helped us as well with his quality. He does good work every day.

“Three weeks ago he was injured but I am very happy with his mentality. He can play right or left. I want him to stay in the box more to score and assist his team-mates.

“For Leno, the important thing is that when the team needs him, he helps us, and he is doing that. His moment is arriving.”

Arsenal started strongly with referee Anthony Taylor waving away penalty claims when Alexandre Lacazette went down. Moments later Lacazette was clean through after robbing Cathcart, but shot well wide.

But Arsenal suffered a blow when Cech limped off – and his replacement was quickly into the action after the break.

Deeney met Roberto Pereyra’s free-kick first time to force Leno into a fine fingertip save. Then Pereyra turned Lucas Torreira inside out and curled a shot past Leno, but just wide.

Rob Holding did well to block a shot from substitute Isaac Success that looked like it was destined for the back of the net.

And Success was then played clean through by Deeney and beat Leno with a chip – but it just nicked off the far post.

After being well on top, Watford were left to rue a crazy spell when it all went wrong.

First, Iwobi swung in a cross which Cathcart deflected into his own net under pressure from Lacazette.

Then, the Frenchman turned provider, exchanging passes with Iwobi before crossing for Ozil to tap in for the second.

Gracia said: “I am very upset for my players because I think they deserved more. We had a very good performance.

“We had more shots on target, a lot of clear chances to score. We are competing really well. The players are frustrated.”