Here is Alfie’s review and player ratings for yesterday’s game…
FT: WATFORD 0-1 ARSENAL
A great result in a must win game, albeit in bizarre circumstances. The goal, combined with the red card, and the way the game played out in the aftermath of the sending off contributed to what was a strange game. They started the better side, putting us under pressure in the first ten minutes, with us struggling to get out. However, it was us that put them under pressure which gave us the incisive moment in the game, with Aubameyang sharply closing down Foster to give us the lead.
Just minutes later, the satisfying red card to pantomime villain Troy Deeney looked to give us an unassailable position to go on to win the game, but the pattern of play did not conform to the expected pattern. Watford only grew in momentum, appearing aggrieved by the decision, and put us under unnecessary pressure for long periods.
We regained control for the majority of the second half and could well have added to our lead with more ruthlessness in the final third, but the closing stages were not without their fragile and nervy moments. Ultimately, we weathered the storm and saw the game out, collecting a precious 3 points.
Not a convincing performance, but for me, a satisfying 1-0 win, not something we see enough of on the road. We kept a clean sheet, were defensively sound for the most part, and rested key players for Thursday.
Not a bad night all in all….
PLAYER RATINGS vs Watford:
1️⃣9️⃣ Leno 7
2️⃣0️⃣ Mustafi 8
0️⃣6️⃣ Koscielny 7
2️⃣7️⃣ Mavropanos 6
1️⃣8️⃣ Monreal 6
1️⃣1️⃣ Torreira 6
2️⃣9️⃣ Xhaka 6
0️⃣7️⃣ Mkhitaryan 4
0️⃣8️⃣ Ramsey 6
1️⃣7️⃣ Iwobi 7
1️⃣4️⃣ Aubameyang 6 –
1️⃣0️⃣ Ozil 6
2️⃣9️⃣ Guendouzi 5
1️⃣5️⃣ Maitland-Niles 7 –
Tell me your thoughts below and if you don’t understand some of my ratings, ask below and I’ll give some justification
Alfie Culshaw