Arsenal grabbed their first victory of the season with an impressive win against Watford at Vicarage Road. The Gunners started positively and their wonderful movement saw the team take an astounding 3-0 lead within the first 45 minutes. Watford did come back in the game in the second half but couldn’t trouble the visitors much as they lost with a 3-1 scoreline. Let’s take a look at how the players fared on a scale of 10.
Petr Cech (7/10)
Not called into action much, Cech showed his quality whenever he was needed and made an excellent double stop in the 2nd half when to prevent Watford’s 2nd goal.
Rob Holding (7/10)
Holding for the second week running has shown his potential and quality against the powerful attacking duo of Watford. He was immaculate in the air and made two excellent blocks alongside his 10 clearances. A Great positive for the Gunners.
Laurent Koscielny (7/10)
Another masterful performance by the French defender. Bossed it all game, winning 7of his 9 headers making 13 clearances and making two high-quality blocks inside the penalty area.
Hector Bellerin (8/10)
Bellerin was one of the key players of the game and he excelled today in both attacking and defending. Provided the width needed with his overlaps while giving the security at the back in the wide areas. Unlucky not to get an assist despite his excellent cross in the 2nd half.
Nacho Monreal (6/10)
Nacho was lost a couple of times by his man out wide but he did manage to get his recovery tackle in and control the situation. He passed the ball really well as usual but had to be subbed after picking up a knock in the 74th minute
Santi Cazorla (7/10)
Excellent in his passing and settled the nerves by scoring the opening goal via penalty. Worked hard in the midfield and gave another solid performance.
Granit Xhaka (8/10)
Xhaka showed his range of passing in an excellent display today. He was brilliant with his long balls and worked very well beside Cazorla. His tackling might be a concern as he won only 2 of his 7 attempted tackles but those two which he won were the most important just outside the penalty area. Looks like a great signing already. Really gives the team another dimension in attack.
Theo Walcott (8/10)
Looked like the Theo Walcott the fans would like to see more often. Was excellent in his wide role today, making great runs and some very menacing moves. His crossing was brilliant, provided the assist for Alexis and should have had more assists really with his quality deliveries from the right. Called the goalkeeper into action a few times and worked the defenders very well. This performance should give him much more confidence.
Mesut Ozil (7/10)
A solid performance by the midfield maestro. He was excellent with his passing in the final third and scored an awesome goal making the perfect third man run from the middle to put his team three goals up in the 45th minute.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (6/10)
Chamberlain had a poor match if compared to his teammates in the forward positions. Tried to provide the drive in the attack but failed miserably on two occasions where he could have scored two goals.
Alexis Sanchez (8/10)
A good performance after a long time, as he did exactly what he is capable of. Drew the defenders wide with his movement and passed the ball well. Provided a great looping cross for Ozil to score the third goal and himself scored the second. Still not convincing as a striker though, he is best suited and is most dangerous in his wide left position.
Subs
Elneny (6.5/10)
Came on to make things tight at the deep midfield and provide more cover to the backline. Passed very well and won his tackles.
Wilshere (5/10)
Couldn’t impact the game at all. Got 20 minutes on the pitch and committed 2 fouls
Gibbs (6.5/10)
Came on late but looked very tidy. Solid defensively and had 100% passing accuracy.
