Watford vs Arsenal Ratings: Arsenal Player Ratings + Fans’ Reaction
Arsenal managed to seal a narrow 1-0 victory against a rather stubborn Watford side who kept most of the Gunners’ attacking threats at bay for lengthy durations in the game despite going down to ten men early in the first half as Troy Deeney was dismissed to the stands.
It took a silly goalkeeping error from the Hornets’ man between the sticks Ben Foster added to some good pressing from Pierre Emerick Aubameyang to find the Gunners opener in the first period. Although Jack Gracia’s weakened team did rally to find an equaliser, a good showing from Bernd Leno ensured that the points were going back to London.
Here are the Arsenal Player Ratings:
Bernd Leno 8
The German showed excellent courage and might throughout the tie and was solely responsible for ensuring the points.
Shkodran Mustafi 6
Was utilised at right-back today and was his usual sketchy self but did show himself in a good light at times.
Laurent Koscielny 7
The leader of this defence brought some much-needed to composure into a rather changed Arsenal back-line.
Konstantinos Mavropanos 6
The Greek international did well in the centre of defence despite being troubled by Andre Gray all night.
Nacho Monreal 7
Stepped up to the place and showed his vast experience in this fixture with a professional defensive display.
Lucas Torreira 6
Quite clearly duped the referee to get Troy Deeney sent off and didn’t have his usual influence as he lost the ball cheaply.
Granit Xhaka 6
Another fairly ineffective player who was picked out by the home support for his disgusting dive in the first period.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 4
Looked to be missing completely in the first half and missed a golden chance to sure up the victory in the second.
Aaron Ramsey 7
The midfielder with no reason to perform for the Gunners is the man who is coming to the fore again and again.
Alex Iwobi 6
Pace down the flanks certainly did cause the Watford back-line a few problems but needs to work on his final delivery.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 7
Didn’t have too much to go on tonight and had to live off scraps. Worked hard all night and looked sharp in taking his goal.
Substitutes
Mesut Ozil 6
Did make his calming presence felt in midfield but didn’t have the positive impact the Gunners fans hoped for.
Matteo Guendouzi 6
Brought on to toughen up in the middle of the park and the youngster exhibited his usual compute and calmness.
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Ainsley Maitland-Niles 6
Showed excellent energy after coming on and kept out a sure goal from Andre Gray after he had already rounded Foster.
Here’s how some relieved Arsenal fans reacted to this crucial victory:
