Yesterday it looked like Arsenal would put in another of those performances we have see this season in which we are not in full flow but get the result. Unfortunately that was not to be the case and even though I blame the ref I have to reflect the result in my player ratings.
Cech 7 – Powerless to stop either goal. Otherwise good.
Koscielny 7 – Would Arsenal have concede that second or been under such pressure with him? Probably not.
Mertesacker 7 – Good goal and all-round performance but as captain should have rallied team at the end.
Monreal 6 – Did okay but not enough, especially after penalty.
Elneny 6 – Good work rate and shot just over but also predictable and not enough protection later on.
Xhaka 5 – Some good long passing but a lot of sideways stuff and not enough defensive nous.
Bellerin 6 – Generally good apart from missing great chance and then the fateful (unlucky) penalty.
Kolasinac 6 – Not his usual impact but did alright.
Iwobi 8 – Looked sharp. Worked hard and created well. Didn’t deserve to lose.
Welbeck 6 – Worked hard but struggled to have much telling influence.
Lacazette 6 – One touch in the Watford box tells the story. Frustrating evening with little service.
subs:
Ozil 5 – Brilliant vision and pass but should have scored and at fault before penalty.
Giroud 5 – Good dummy to free Ozil but looked badly out of touch.
Holding 5 – Not his finest moment off the bench when calm head was needed.
Bob.