By no means a vintage performance but a win nevertheless as the Gunners scrapped past ten-man Watford 1-0 to go fourth in the Premier League.
Mr Cojones Troy Deeney ultimately ruined the game for his side as he carelessly swung an arm in the direction of Lucas Torreira inside the opening eleven minutes. Having seen his side concede a frustrating goal just a minute before, as Aubameyang charged down Ben Foster in goal to deflect home from three yards, Deeney just looked too up for it in a way. He lost control and saw red leaving his side with a mountain to climb and seventy-odd minutes left on the clock. Watford played with pride and grit though and probably deserved a point from the game as dogged defending kept them within one all night.
The second half played out much like the first, with Arsenal seeing plenty of the ball and the hosts playing on the careful counter. Mkhitaryan had a few half chances but with woeful finishing probably never hit the target with any, whilst Iwobi created chances a plenty but no one seemed to be on the same wavelength. It was a game for Mesut Ozil, who entered the fray at half time in place of Lucas Torreira. Ramsey dropped back alongside Granit Xhaka in midfield for Ozil to occupy the number ten spot. He controlled the game going forward but it wasn't so good the other way. Watford never looked out of the game, even with ten, and had some real chances as the half went on. Bernd Leno again looked inspired and he really fought for his first away clean sheet in the league. He was on point all night, notably from a Capoue free kick in the first half and a Gray chance very late on in the second. He wanted the zero and played extremely well to earn it. Arsenal's play in front of him though was pretty average all night. It was either too slow, or when it quickened up, no one could finish. A win's a win however, and what an important one it was as the Gunners return to fourth spot with a top four finish still in their hands. A clean sheet away from home was also very well received and a great boost for confidence going forward.
Ratings and Talking Points
Unai Emery: 7
Much like his players, it was an average night from the man in charge. The shape was probably correct away at Watford; a back four with two in central midfield, behind an attacking three and one striker. However, the personnel could come under question. Mustafi at right back (with Maitland-Niles on the bench, Lichtsteiner nowhere to be seen and Jenko playing for the U23s) is just a risk that's surely not required. He had an ok game in fairness but is far more comfortable at centre half. Dinos Mavropanos on the other hand, got his first start for over eleven months and although he had a tough opening stanza, he grew into the game and played well.
Emery's substitutions are what really makes the blood boil at times. Ozil for Torreira at half time was acceptable as Arsenal looked to turn the screw and create more freely. However, Guendouzi for Mavropanos, to leave no right back and/or a strange attempt at a hybrid back three full back shape, was another risk not required. It didn't last long though, as clearly there was very little shape and structure at the back, and Maitland-Niles was introduced to sure it up and provide a more natural right back mindset, compared to that of Mkhitaryan who was seemingly half filling in. Ultimately it was job done but Arsenal were fortunate and have a lot thank their in form German goalie for. Onwards and upwards to Napoli on Thursday.
Bernd Leno: 7.5
Shkodran Mustafi: 6.5
Dinos Mavropanos: 6.5
Laurent Koscielny: 7.5
Nacho Monreal: 7
Lucas Torreira: 7
Granit Xhaka: 7.5
Aaron Ramsey: 7.5
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 5
Alex Iwobi: 7
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 6
Subs:
Matteo Guendouzi: 6
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: 6
Mesut Ozil: 7
Mavropanos Back in the Fold
The young Greek defender has everything you need to be a Premier League centre half. He's big, quick across the ground keen to learn. He just needs a little more faith from Emery as it stands. Yes he was out for a long time with a groin problem but in order to get back to the same developmental levels he's shown over the past year or so, he needs game time at the top level. Last night was a great opportunity and final he got a start. Almost eleven months to the day since his last first team start, he was back in from the off. He saw around sixty minutes before being withdrawn which is fine. He was always unlikely to get through the full ninety at elite level but its certainly a step in the right direction for him. With Laurent Koscielny's availability for three games in a week often in doubt, there's still a great chance for Mavropanos to get himself more pitch time going forward. Sokratis is back for Thursday night in Naples but will again be forced to sit out this weekend's league game against Crystal Palace through domestic suspension. With Holding out for the season added to Koscielny's aging body, chances should still come his way this season as Arsenal play on two fronts still, looking for Europa League glory and a top four finish.
@craigbennett10
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