Hardly the best match that Arsenal have had this season and there have been a few unmitigated stinkers but they took the necessary points against 10 man Watford.
There are a few more away games that are waiting like open traps for a stray foot and the Gunners can’t afford another slip up in a tight race for 4th place.
Arsenal can thank Watford keeper Foster for his schoolboy error and the heroic Leno for keeping them in contention. They can also thank Troy Deeney for his ridiculous display having clattered Lucas Torreira in the face with his excitable elbow.
The North London club rode their luck and defended like they were in a relegation battle, which in a way they are. None of the teams chasing Champions league football want to fall short and miss out.
Players Ratings:
Leno – 8 – Superb performance from the German, equal to the efforts of Capoue and Cathcart. Kept Arsenal in the game with a well deserved clean sheet,
Mustafi – 6 – Jittery early on but found good support from Mavropanos. I regularly dig the guy out but he did rather well to keep Watford pegged back. First one in with a tackle for a change, his best game for some time. Still needs to be sold.
Koscielny – 7 – He won’t be around forever and is currently making the most of it. You can’t question his heart or his bravery.
Mavropanos – 6 – Initial nerves disappeared. Not a perfect performance but neat and tidy for the most part. I liked what I saw and hope he gets a run in the final games.
Could save Arsenal money in the summer.
Monreal – 4 – I keep saying it, his legs have gone. He has been a decent player for Arsenal but it’s time he went. Looks good when he doesn’t have to run.
Xhaka – 6 – Kept busy and tried to keep the play flowing, not guilty of his usual glaring errors and wayward passes. The partnership with Torreira is still probably the best option they have at present.
Torreira – 6 – Forceful and dominant in the middle, the heart of the Gunners engine. He could be the leader in a season’s time and Arsenal skipper.
Mkhitaryan – 5 – Very disappointing display, lacked presence and creativity. Blows hot and looks good, then cold and looks distinctly ordinary at this level.
Ramsey – 5 – After his heroics against Napoli, this was the comedown. Not on his game against Watford, nothing really went his way.
Iwobi – 6 – Same problems that always make him a target for a minority of fans. I thought he did ok, others were less impressed. Created the most chances and was entitled to be upset with those around him. Still lacks quality at times but he wasn’t the only one guilty of that.
Aubameyang – 5 – The Gabonese striker only marks so low as a result of his teammate’s lack of creativity. Watford were always going to snuff him out and the only way through was going to be luck or a ball over the top of a drilled defence. Luck was the only thing available to him.
SUBS
Ozil – 4 – Never got going, never looked likely to.
Guendouzi – 5 – Don’t really understand why he came on because there was no genuine need. If anything he destabilized a side that was managing well and it took too long for him to settle. Love the passion but should have sat this one out.
Maitland-Niles – NA – Difficult time to come on and a difficult game to settle in. Made a decent interception.
Man of the Match: Troy Deeney. Too much cojones on display, big mouth, early bath.
