Arsenal fans will feel a whole lot better about life as we head into the first international break with a win under our belts. Despite a slightly edgy second half to the game after Watford scored, it was a much more Arsenal-like performance with the players looking sharper, and the returning Ozil and Cazorla adding real class. But it was the brilliant and industrious Alexis Sanchez who stole the show and got my vote as our Man of the Match.
Cech 8 – Unlucky to concede after saving and made some more key stops to ensure the win.
Bellerin 7.5 – Looked really sharp and caused Watford lots of trouble.
Holding 7 – Growing well into his role, looked calm and defended well.
Koscielny 7 – Commanding as usual but a couple of hairy moments.
Monreal 6 – Struggled a bit against Anrabat and Cech saved him from own goal.
Xhaka 7 – Good work rate and controlled the centre with Santi. At least one amazing raking pass.
Cazorla 7.5 – Great to have him back. Silky skills, all round ability and took penalty with aplomb.
Ozil 8 – I nearly gave MOTM to him after a brilliant first half but he faded a bit before going off.
Walcott 7 – Impressive game from Theo who gave us great width and penetration and set up second goal.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 6 – Good effort but needs more cutting edge.
Alexis 8.5 – Brilliant first half and tireless effort and deserves MOTM for that ball to Ozil alone.
subs:
Wilshere, Elneny and Gibbs 6 – All did their jobs pretty well to see out the match.
Bob.