Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League after overcoming a spirited Watford side 3-0 ending a run of three successive defeats.This was the Gunners first clean sheet in 12 League games and this should settle some nerves at the Emirates after a string of losses this year.
Shkodran Mustafi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyangand Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the goals for the North London club, as they build on Thursday’s crucial Europa League win at AC Milan.
The stadium had plenty of empty seats at the Emirates and the atmosphere was tense but after the 90 minutes, the fans were a lot more cheerful, possibly thanks to the Deeney’s ‘cojones’ jibe before the game.
On this note, let’s take a look at the 3 things that lead to the win.
New Signings Flourish
Arsenal were convincing against Watford thanks to new recruits Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as both of them combined well to nail the visitors in transition.
Going forward the Gunners were unstoppable as Aubameyang scored his 3rd goal for the North London club while Mkhitaryan got his first Emirates goal following up on his scalp against AC Milan in the Europa League.
Mkhitaryan put through Aubameyang for the second goal and the forward returned the favour with an assist to set up Mkhitaryan for the third goal
It was a game where the Dortmund duo showed quality and understanding as Arsenal benefitted to seal a massive 3-0 win.
Impressive Petr Cech
The veteran showed fine reflexes as he got to the ground to make a couple of saves during the match. He denied Watford skipper Troy Deeney from 12 yards (penalty spot) after Ainsley Maitland-Niles had brought down Roberto Pereyra in the box. Cech preserved Arsenal’s lead and became the fastest goalkeeper to reach 200 clean sheets.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper has been struggling under the bars for few weeks now, but deserves praise for keeping a clean sheet against a robust Watford side.
Master Class From Mesut Ozil
The German playmaker proved to be the engine to Arsenal’s attacking play as he linked the channels with aplomb going forward. The likes of Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan(in particular) flourished alongside the German playmaker.
Ozil’s level of maturity and creativity set the tone for the Gunners victory as he delivered a superb ball into the box for his teammate and compatriot Shkodran Mustafi to nod the host in front barely 8th minutes into the match.
