A mediocre first half was followed up by an equally as average opening ten minutes to a second half that eventually caught light with Lacazette's pressure forcing Watford's Cathcart into a deflected own goal. The pressure continued all over the park, and the chances soon starting coming. Arsenal turned it on for a blistering ten minute spell that included a clinching second goal scored by stand-in skipper Mesut Ozil. A resolute and dogged Arsenal took an age to get going but once they clicked into gear, Watford couldn't handle it. Going forward it only took ten minutes of free flowing football and the game was over.
Potentially quite tough on the visitors, who, at one stage looked like they would take a point (or more) back to Hertfordshire. But it wasn't to be as the Gunners saw it through. It was far from top level, and far from convincing by any means but right now its a win. A seventh in a row.
We finally saw Bernd Leno in a Premier League team as Petr Cech limped off due to injury. Both played well though and deserved half a clean sheet a piece. Watford did threaten at times, and even had stints of successive dominance. A two man midfield away to Arsenal is brave but ultimately the Hornets lost this midfield battle, and once Iwobi entered the fray, Ozil was freed up to really control and dictate. He didn't disappoint and played a pivotal role in both goals.
Another clean sheet too which will certainly go down with the defensive lads who were probably the better of Arsenal's two units on the day. Rob Holding deserves a mention as he was almost exceptional in what was a very defensively organised performance.
Ratings
Petr Cech: 7
Played well and looked solid in his positioning and shot stopping. Left the field injured but thoroughly deserved his share of the clean sheet.
Hector Bellerin: 6
Nothing special again from Bellerin who was average defensively but was quite far from his best going forward. I guess you'd call it consistency - which we'd all love but still plenty to do for the Spaniard.
Shkodran Mustafi: 6.5
The German looked good again with the ball at his feet. He passed and moved the ball well but a defender's primary function is to defend. Still more to do to really reach the levels the club need. No nonsense to be fair and solid enough for a clean sheet.
Rob Holding: 8.5
The young Englishman, who was potentially fighting to keep his place, was the pick of the bunch at the back. As a fan in attendance, I barely noticed Andre Gray at all. Holding stifled him extremely well and also marshalled Deeney at times. A credit to defenders and showed his hunger for a clean sheet and a starting position next time around.
Nacho Monreal: 7
Reliable as ever and solid both ways, up sand down the pitch. Nothing superb but equally nothing horrendous. He supports his winger well and often gets little help from Aubameyang going the other way. An average and commanding performance all round.
Lucas Torreira: 7
Much like Monreal, Lucas Torreira did his job well, again. Nothing to write home about, mind, but still plenty of positives for the Uruguayan who's building his way into the English game. Crucial role, executed to the necessary standard.
Granit Xhaka: 7
Far more at ease alongside Torreira, Granit Xhaka took a while to get going but when he did, he dictated our play quite well. Shifted the ball quickly and efficiently, proving the Swiss is so much more at home creating from deep but not having to defend as much with Torreira in the side.
Aaron Ramsey: 6.5
Not up to his usual football standards but still put himself about to the levels we are now used to seeing. Ultimately though, Rambo had at least three more gears to give. Eventually substituted which allowed Ozil to show how the number ten role should be done.
Mesut Ozil: 7.5
Again stifled on the wing but having a maestro in the team somewhere always means that anything can happen, at any time. Almost near his best in the last quarter of the game, the German got himself on the score sheet yet again, delivering the victory with a simple tap in.
Alex Lacazette: 8
Dogged, determined and hungry again defined Lacazette's performance. He led the line well, a little isolated at times but showed his commitment levels in attempting to latch onto a cross, enabling Cathcart to accidentally divert it into his own net. Gave it his all again and was up for a battle, regardless of the outcome.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7
Very little to fault about Auba this week but much like his team mates it wasn't blowing anyone out of the water by any means. Attacked well at times and looked to come central to stretch the centre backs and stay involved. Husselled for the win and was keen to run at his man.
Subs
Bernd Leno: 7
Played his part in a well deserved clean sheet. Made at least two crucial, match defining saves and ultimately impressed in potentially uncomfortable circumstances. Credit to him for getting up to speed, I am looking forward to see him make a real claim for the starting shirt going forward.
Alex Iwobi: 7.5
Ran and ran, for his whole stint. Worked hard and his improvement is evident. The reliability he brings means that Ozil gets the licence to roam and really cause havoc. Big 17 dribbled and attacked well and was always keen to try something new.
Danny Welbeck: 6.5
Entered the fray for the final thirteen minutes providing a solid and hard working shield in front of Monreal. Looked fit and sharp, and hungry to impress. Great to see from D Welbz.
That's it for this week's ratings. Get involved and let us know your thoughts on Facebook and Twitter.
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