Arsenal may have extended their winning run to seven games with a 2-0 win over Watford but Unai Emery admits his side endured a tough afternoon at the Emirates.
The Gunners, not for the first time this season, made sure of the three points courtesy of quick-fire strikes after the break as a Craig Cathcart own goal and a Mesut Ozil tap in made the Hornets pay for their own profligacy at the tail-end of an open game.
Afterwards, Emery told the BBC: “The team suffered in the 90 minutes as it was very competitive but they worked hard.
“I think we improved in the match and it is good for our momentum and continuing to improve.”
He added: “It is clear also that we are improving in getting more competitive in the difficult moments. Our quality is on the pitch when we need it.
“We will prepare for each match like this. We want to improve and give ourselves opportunities. Hopefully is it the same next time and we continue doing our way.”
The victory, which takes Arsenal to fifth in the Premier League table, keeps the good vibes going after a tough start in August.
The only negative was a first half injury to Petr Cech who seemed to tweak his hamstring taking a goal kick. He was replaced by Bernd Leno, who came on for his League debut and made a couple of important stops.
“We will look at Petr Cech’s injury,” reflected Emery. “He is playing well but Bernd Leno continued the performance for us and it is a good example for the squad. We need every player.”
In his post-game press conference, he went into more depth: “I think it’s a hamstring. Maybe he will miss two or three weeks. I hope not more. We will see tomorrow.
“I’m very happy with Leno. I think he was content to wait for this moment and now it is arriving. His performance was the best for us today.”
It’s expected that Cech could be sidelined for two to three weeks, so it’ll be interesting to see if the Spaniard’s keeper rotation policy is continued. Arsenal travel to Azerbaijan to play Qarabag on Thursday before a trip to Fulham next Sunday.
If we start playing well we will be a force. In the meantime I’m happy to take this winning run.
For the first time. I appreciate your input.
Touchè
Haha
Playing well means we have to play Ozil as a f**king CAM; play Iwobi/Miki, Lacazette and Aubameyang. Bench Ramsey or Xhaka; Torreira MUST start our games. I would love to see him (Torreira) start with Ramsey or Guendozi in front of our defense. I reckon us to be a force indeed.
We can starting playing well by making sure that Rob Holding starts with Sokratis, play Ozil as our CAM, Torreira starts with either Ramsey or Guendozi in front of our defense. Giving Iwobi game time wouldn’t be a bad idea at all, he is improving under Unai and has also being one of the hardworking players on the pitch. I reckon us to be a force indeed, I see us giving City and Liverpool a run for their money.
The disrespectful scumbag at United is getting his just deserts………how bout we put in a bid for Alexis ? Always liked that chap, and Man U is no place for nice guy.
There is nothing nice about Alexis and we’re better off without the selfish little cunt. He’s getting what he deserves.
Not sure what you mean. Your point was quite subtle ?
Shame the other selfish little cunt at the club is being held in high esteem.
So if we are better off without him, why so much hate now? I will never understand a Vonnie, but then I don’t have to understand every little hate shitter. Thanks god. What I do understand though is that Alexis’ force during the FA cup final won us the trophy in 17. And I can’t remember when he ever gave it not his all.
Sorry, but Alexis is toxic. He has some undeniable talent but a nasty attitude; and not in a way that helps a team.
That’s called passion for the badge.Alexis loved the club to bits but we stabbed him on the back and offered the goat a new deal and let him go.i will take him in with open arms.even if he doesn’t score or assist his passion and drive can lead us to glory 100%.
What the hell? Where were you?
All he cared was to score and be called a hero
Do not feed the troll.
A cheeky bid for Pogba instead? There is a great player with a shite manager. Alexis burned his bridges.
This is the kind of game that we might have drawn in the last few years. Good to see the players gut it out. Special props to Holding for being a beast. Sokratis Holding next time around? Once it all starts to click, we will turn on the style, but a hard-fought win is very satisfying indeed!
These wins, however they come are really rather nice.
We struggled. But yeah…What this team needs is to win ugly. And keep winning Ugly. I have nothing but confidence in this teams ability ro turn up the style. We saw these very players win quite beautifuly over the past few seasons. The lesson they needed to learn was to grind out a win. Which is clear they are learning.
When did Arsenal last win 7 successive games?
I think we are going to win the league this season
Happy with winning but I’m not sure how long we can rely on ‘win when you’re not at your best’ as a game plan forever
Riding the luck. Emery not good enough we’re going backwards.
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Hahaha you are a total dingus