Result: Arsenal 2 – 0 Watford
Competition: Premier League
Date: 29 September 2018
Venue: The Emirates Stadium
Arsenal earn another three points with a clean sheet and a 2-0 win against Watford. It was an open, physical game which saw both sides pour forward relentlessly. The first goal came late in the 80th minute as substitute, Iwobi, crossed only for Watford to deflect the ball in for an own goal. Ozil scored the second almost immediately to settle the match. Emery has got to look to shuffle his team with Cech going off injured and the team playing more coherently when one of the current front four is substituted for a natural wide forward.
ARSENAL STARTING XI
The Arsenal team: Cech, Bellerin, Holding, Mustafi, Monreal, Torreira, Xhaka, Ozil, Ramsey, Aubameyang, Lacazette
Subs: Leno, Lichtsteiner, Kolasinac, Guendouzi, Mkhitaryan, Iwobi, Welbeck
0′ – HOLDING FOR SOKRATIS
Arsenal revert to their Premier League team for a challenging home game against a Watford team that have been impressive this season as they sit 2 places above Arsenal in fourth place. The only notable change has been Sokratis, who has been rested after injuring himself in the game against Everton. Rob Holding steps in.
4′ – PENALTY CLAIM
Lacazette shimmies past the Watford defence and is caught by Kabasele. Lacazette loses his balance but stays on his feet. That was definitely a pen, and cynics will say he should have gone down to gain the penalty.
10′ – HUGHES CHANCE GOES WIDE
Cholevas sends a diagonal cross from the left after catching out Bellerin. Deeney heads down the ball for Hughes who volleys the ball just wide of Cech’s goal.
14′ – LACAZETTE MISSES!
Cathcart is caught out by Lacazette who harries the Watford last line of defence. Lacazette decides to chip the onrushing Foster but miscontrols the attempt and it goes wide. A great opportunity missed.
16′ – WATFORD GETTING PHYSICAL
Watford haven’t been shy in getting physical with Arsenal. Niggly tackles on the Arsenal midfield and diagonals from deep towards Deeney have been the order of the day. The Gunners have to be at their best to keep possession and prevent dangerous crosses.
20′ – LACAZETTE CHANCE
Ozil spots Monreal lurking on the left wing. Monreal knocks it down for Lacazette who is inches away from contact. It’s been an open game and we have seen how these games have gone the last few weeks.
28′ – STRUCTURED PRESSING
Arsenal’s midfield are pressing well collectively around the centre circle, denying Watford time to pick their passes. Lacazette looks impressive with his aggressive harrying of the opposition.
30′ – YELLOW CARD FOR DEENEY
Yellow card for Captain Cajones as he clatters clumsily into Monreal.
35′ – CECH SAVE
Poor defending from Mustafi (who else?) as he smothers a Watford player looking to receive a long ball just outside the penalty box. Cech saves the resulting free kick and gets a few bruises in the process from the opposition attackers.
38′ – XHAKA STRIKE
Bellerin crosses but the ball deflects away to Xhaka who strikes it sweetly from just outside the left of the box. Foster parries the low driven shot away for a corner.
44′ – YELLOW CARD, TORREIRA
The Uruguayan gets a booking for a late challenge on Deeney.
45 + 1′ – CECH DOES HIS HAMSTRING
Cech kicks it long and pulls his hamstring. He’s been good this season for Arsenal and Leno has big shoes (and gloves to fill). The next 3 weeks or so is pivotal for Leno has he proves his pedigree.
HALF TIME: ARSENAL 0 – 0 WATFORD
It’s been a lively game as both teams have played at a high tempo with their full backs bombing forward. Arsenal haven’t been able to produce a coherent pattern of play but have been industrious in the midfield to prevent Watford’s attacks. Can Mkhitaryan or Iwobi add some balance in the second half? Leno’s late introduction for Cech might also play a part in the result as he takes on one of the most aerially challenging teams in the Premier League.
50′ – ARSENAL CHANCE
Xhaka swings in a corner and Mustafi heads the ball above the bar.
51′ – WONDERFUL LENO SAVE
Deeney gets in front of his marker from a free kick and stabs the ball on goal. Leno makes an instinctive save and parries the ball away.
53′ – ARSENAL COUNTER
Arsenal on a quick counter. Torreira passes to Aubameyang on the right and the Gabon forward crosses for Lacazette who mistimes his header and head the ball wide.
61′ – YELLOW CARD, MUSTAFI
The defender goes into the book for complaining against the referee for not giving Arsenal a corner.
62′ – SUBSTITUTION
Iwobi comes on for Ramsey to bring some energy and craft to the team. Ramsey has been on the periphery today. Ozil gets to patrol the centre of the pitch while Aubameyang goes to the right to accommodate Iwobi.
66′ – ANOTHER LENO SAVE
Deeney threads a through pass to Gray but Leno steps out quickly to cover the angle and block the shot.
69′ – PEREYRA CHANCE
Pereyra turns Torreira inside out, makes his way into the box and tries to scoop the ball towards the far post but misses.
71′ – HOLDING BLOCK
Watford make their way into the Arsenal box and the ball lands at the feet of Watford’s Success. Holding is there to make the block and prevent Arsenal from going one down.
73′ – WATFORD CHANCE
A free kick for Watford sees Cathcart attack the ball. The ball squirms under Leno but the German saves just in time.
74′ – SUCCESS ALMOST SCORES
Success streaks through on goal, chips Leno but the ball brushes past the far post. Watford has got the momentum in the last 10 minutes.
75′ – SUBSTITUTION
Mid-week 2 goal hero Welbeck replaces Aubameyang who has been quiet today. Come on Danny!
76′ – DEENEY SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN A SECOND YELLOW
A late challenge on Torreira goes unpunished.
78′ – YELLOW CARD, DOUCOURE
Another Watford player goes into the book.
80′ – ⚽ OWN GOAL! ARSENAL 1 – 0 WATFORD
A teasing low cross from Iwobi is met by Lacazette and Cathcart who both challenge for the ball. The final touch comes off Cathcart. Can Arsenal hold on for the win?
82′ – ⚽ OZIL! ARSENAL 2 – 0 WATFORD
It’s a one-two punch. Welbeck wins the ball high up in midfield, passes it to Iwobi who threads the ball wide right to Lacazette. The striker crosses low for Ozil who was in the right place and time to tap in the ball. Deeney, Deeney, what’s the score?
87′ – PEREYRA SHOOTS FROM DISTANCE
A rather desperate attempt as the midfielder tries to claw back a goal. The ball goes high for a goal kick.
FULL TIME: ARSENAL 2 – 0 WATFORD
Watford looked to be the better team in attack but Arsenal scored a goal against the run of play via a Cathcart own goal. Ozil scored a tap in just minutes after to kill any hopes of a Watford come back. Iwobi and Leno looked great coming off the bench and the former is pushing hard for a starting position with his recent good form.
We love the second halves, great result, Watford were strong. Leno great save, Iwobi played well, Holding solid, the Terrier was snappy.
Next few October games are not bad, so we have a chance to continue the good run [And Mourinho lost].
Looks like the Emirates crowd really appreciates Deeney,certainly will improve our attack if we sign him.Tony Gale was on point.But I wonder who he’ll replace Laca or Auba?Personally its lacazette for me as world class target man like Deeney’s hold up play will greatly improve Auba’s poaching!
Tony Gale is a giant wanker.
Deeney?…seriously?
Very impressed with our resilience and relentlessness this season. Clearly a lot of work still to be done but the progress on the field is clear. 7 wins in a row and back-to-back Premier League clean sheets as well. Let’s keep it up!
Very promising run. Win the games including against Liverpool and everyone will start noticing. A title charge is still very much on. *I jinxed it, didnt I?*
There is nothing to be jinxed to jinx it. Let us be honest and not go overboard. There is going to be no title challenge. Let us aim for top four and achieve it instead of setting our hopes too high and end up burying the manager and the players at the end.
Logical boy. <3
Typical isn’t it? From one extreme to the next.
At least we can all sleep well knowing Ramsey’s performance was not affected by the contract saga. He is still not very good ?
Preach. Just much better with Iwobi on the wing and Ozil with freedom at the 10. Not sure if Emery’s master plan involves having Ramsey lead the press for a half and then pivoting to a more cultured unit at the 60 minute mark, but if you want a worker bee in there think I’d prefer it be Welbz.
I think he needs to be dropped back a bit and play behind Ozil. It’s like we don’t have a central midfielder. I think Ramsey is still very good. Nowadays its like top players have to score or assist every game for people to rate them. I’m a fan of stats, but they do sometimes simplify the game.
Torreira and Xhaka works and neither of them bomb up field and leave us horribly exposed. We’ve seen what we get from Ramsey in a 2 man midfield and it’s not a title..
There is no way I would sacrifice a Xhaka, Torreira, or Guendouzi to push Ramsey back. He hasn’t held responsible positioning back there since Arteta was on the pitch for us.
he is a top, top player, and still our best player
Iwobi has to start and I don’t think emery will have a problem making that change.
Almost the happiest moment of the day. ! And the happiest? Cuntinho lost and Alexis Sanchez couldn’t even get into bench!
Loved the happiness and unity among them after the second goal!
Was beaming when I saw the results. The last 10 mins looked like an exhibition match. Loved the “ole’s” ringing around the stadium. Must not be long now for Mourinho though I hope it drags on for a little while longer.
I hope he stays on longer. I hope he lasts the season. Better than them actually getting a good manager. Maybe even go for that manager from the White shite Lane.
It would be good if they steal Pochettino and then are still shit and he gets sacked as well
Of course though, that would still be funny because the spurs train would be truly derailed
Özil played very well, working very hard, chasing, blocking and at same time doing what he does best….creating chances. But the commentators say….just negatives after negatives….even after his well-taken goal. WTF is wrong with them and their hatred of Özil??!
I was so happy for Özil’s tap in I almost smashed my tv
Hahahah. Love that.
I’m glad someone heard that. It was disgusting, really got me irritated.
Tony Gale. The man is simply a cunt. Ramsey was shocking as a 10..Again and Auba and Laca were no better than Ozil either.
It’s the Ramsey myth.
But he speaks like what we do, guv. A good old boy with good honest English opinions
And his comment on deeney’s fault on torreira? Tony gayle is an idiot!
And the bald-faced denial that Deeney left it in late on Torreira for what should have been a second yellow was beyond biased. If anyone ever tells you the anti-Arsenal bias doesn’t exist, just cite about 75% of match commentaries.
The ref being shit on the pen, and that foul on Torreira didn’t help either.
Their negativity is good news for us as it means we’re getting positive results.
Bring it on.
And yes, Tony Gale is a tosser…
islam ..so i slam
My take on the game today Positives: – The Torreira-Xhaka axis looks solid. Torreira was tenacious and covers a lot of ground while some of Xhaka’s passing was good. – Saw some patterns of a cohesive press in the first half. – More urgency by the Arsenal players to put a shift in to defend from the front. This would have been a draw or loss in seasons past. – Leno looked good for the most part when he came on. He’s now got to prove his worth as Cech is out for at least 2 weeks. – Iwobi continues… Read more »
“This would have been a draw or loss in seasons past” This sentence seems again pointed against Wenger. Every season is a story for itself. 2 years ago in the first half of the season we had a lot of games when we won ugly. Last season we had one of the best home records in our history and most likely we would have won easily. We had also seasons when we had the best away records in the league. Now he is gone and the best way to show him respect is to judge Emery’s era on only what… Read more »
I bet if he had said “In these games seasons ago we would have won maybe 4-1 or 3-0” you would have said the same thing. Somehow, you Wenger loyalists, you never want to hear anybody criticising Wenger even though what he said is the truth.
“Wenger loyalists” how I hate to hear that phrase. It’s not about being blindly loyal to the greatest manager in the club’s history, it’s about showing respect to the man. We all agreed at some point that he had to go but this obsession in some arsenal fans unable to go a day without having a dig at the man is getting tiring and old. And what is wrong with acknowledging the good works he did for the club? Just yesterday I read an article here about how Unai Emery is enjoying his time at arsenal and I don’t think… Read more »
I’m not anti-Wenger. In fact I have the utmost respect for the man. I also agree that each season tells its own story but a common thread across the last few seasons were our inconsistency in performances, lack of fighting spirit and disorganization. Things were just getting stale and it happens in any workplace or organization. I’m not hating on Wenger but objectively, that was happening. What I meant to say with my post was that we’re running harder and pushing ourselves a bit more to grind out results. There were instances in the recent past where this does not… Read more »
I feel for everyone else that had the misfortune of having to watch the broadcast of the match that had Tony Gale as co-commentator. Man, he’s a world class cunt. The commentator was in on it as well – Torreira could’ve been sent off for kicking the ball away and getting clattered by that walking potato, Deeney, apparently. But rather than it being a nasty, petty challenge it was “bad” from Torreira. You couldn’t make it up! In terms of the game, good to see us show some resilience, and I thought Leno did really well at the saving goals… Read more »
I was furious with that bloke.
Had a clear agenda against Arsenal and especially Torreira. Also seemed to want to get into Deeney’s pants so bad…twat!
He was upset we were defending Watfords physical and direct play with a fair amount of ease.
At one point, the commentator called our goalie “jay leno”.
Plot twist: Cech decides himself to give Ramsey the armband. Emery doesn’t like it and subs Ramsey out early in second half.
We are wasting a player like Aubameyang by playing him on the flanks. We have got to find a way to play both Lacazette and Auba up top.
About the game.. very happy with the result and long may it continue.
Regardless of where he’s lined up, we’re not playing to Auba’s strengths at the moment. We’ve got to be getting him into space and playing him through, and quick break crosses into the box. Tap-ins from wide counter-attacks and cutbacks are his bread and butter. The difficult part for Auba is that Laca is also doing well getting into those positions as we saw with his pressure leading to their OG, while also doing an excellent job with the hard work pressing. Almost all of Auba’s goals come from inside the box, but Laca’s got that well covered too. They… Read more »
The only player in our frontline performing is Lacazette, I got told I didn’t understand football when I said we need to sell one of lacazette/Aubameyang and one of Ozil/Rambo. Aubameyang and Ozil are wasted out wide, and I’m not sure Rambo is a No10 At the moment we’re getting by with luck and individual quality in key moments, looks like Emery is managing egos until he can shift a couple and install some balance. Iwobi and Welbz/Micky make more sense out wide than Ozil + Aubameyang The club drawing a line under the Rambo contract standoff could be a… Read more »
we need to keep both lacazettte and aubameyang. why would you want to sell one of them?
Just because he knows football?
Because both players are in their prime, Aubameyang is largely ineffective playing wide and I can’t see him being happy with either missing out, or continually played out of position and then substituted, he’s a 40 goal a season no9, not a left sided midfielder. We have too many players who want to play centrally, selling 1 or 2 and replacing them with players that gives us more team cohesion just makes sense, since the club are making out they’re skint, cashing in on an asset and replacing it with an asset that doesn’t leave the team looking unbalanced, I… Read more »
We have 2 of the strikers in Europe so of course it makes great sense to sell one of them.
The best I meant to say
I like this thing called winning habit. Can we please keep it up.
And Maureen lost with Chilean Mozart not making the bench.
Happy days.
Like this new found toughness in the team. The football might not be flowing but as a team we look solid and organised. Work in progress but their has been much improvement particularly in the competing department. We actually look difficult to beat.
Ramsey needs dropping. Iwobi should be playing due to his current excellent form. Welbeck looks like a good option for Auba, if he tires or isn’t contributing. Also I reckon Holding looks much more accomplished than Mustafi. When Papa returns I would hook Mustafi. Great when we’re winning and not at full tilt yet. Imagine when we click.
Really. Mustafi pretty much always seems to be on the ground with his hand in the air asking for something, like he’s a toddler asking to go to the toilet. Holding saved him a couple of times.
That win was sullied for me by tony gayle sucking off troy deeney in my stream. Jeeze get a room lads!
That’s pretty grim
Arsenal and 2nd halves.. Sweet victory.
Only negative : Aubameyang going through the pre-Lacazette moment.
An otherwise perfect day so far ruined by Huddersfield and the hamstrings of Cech, but still, 2 more goals, 3 more points, another clean sheet, lack of cojones from Deeny.
Stat of the day: Bournemouth managed to climb up the table without playing courtesy of Manure losing by 2 goals!
Winning games without particularly playing well, I like it.
Is that the biggest chance since Wenger era 🙂
How lovely is it to see that smile on Mesut’s face? Thought he killed it after moving into that No 10 spot. Even came back to make a cheeky interception near our penalty box at one stage.
Iwobi should replace Ramsey in the team
Surely Holding has done enough to take Mustafi’s place when Sokratis is back. Also, it’s time to drop Ramsey and let Iwobi take his place.
What I liked : another win and a clean sheet ofcourse. Rob Holding motm for me. Leno was impressive, think the substitutes with Iwobi and Welbz worked well and at least the happiness of the players when we got the second one.
I didn’t like our Arsenallike way of doing easy situations into difficult one, we still don’t do risk assesments on the pitch. Something for Emery to work on
Big performance from the Gunners. Emery’s game management seems to be top notch. He might not have totally imprinted his pattern on the team, but we seem hard to beat even when we don’t play well.
Iwobi in great form. He’s hugely benefitting from Emery.
I’d like to see Lacc as a 10 behind Auba. He seems to already function in the way Emery wants Ramsey to.
To people who aren’t seeing much change… what are you watching? Seriously?
here’s where you can leave complaints about Tony Gale
https://www.nbc.com/contact-us
Tony Gale doesn’t work for NBC though. The Premier League provide the coverage to NBC for games like this.
then it’s off to plan B… a coordinated hate campaign via twitter
Amen to that mate, Amen!..guy is a wanker!
Love the consecutive clean sheet and the second goal giving Ozil lots more confidence. Seven wins in a row? Pinches self.
How’s that for cojones you Twat!
What happened to the usual match reports? this is not good.
I’ve just watched the full game again on Arsenal player, and it’s confirmed my thoughts during the game, that Taylor is a 3rd rate Ref. He shouldn’t be allowed to ref anything higher than Div 2 games…