Unai Emery’s men are just finding their feet in the Premier League, and their next stern test came against an upbeat Watford team. The Gunners hosted the Hornets, but they put on an unconvincing display until Craig Cathcart conceded an own goal to give the home side the upper hand. Mesut Özil added a glossy second to hand over the win to Arsenal after a tough game. Here’s how the Arsenal players have been rated.
GK: Petr Cech – 6/10
Made a good number of saves before he was subbed off at halftime.
RB: Hector Bellerin – 6/10
Pushed on well offensively and he didn’t face a massive threat while defending.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi – 5/10
Reckless and untidy. He couldn’t visibly handle the physicality of Watford, and he needs to improve with the ball as well.
CB: Rob Holding – 6.5/10
Calm and composed and he put on a neat display.
LB: Nacho Monreal – 7/10
Solid while defending and adequate while moving forward. Good display.
CM: Lucas Torreira – 6/10
Shielded his back-four well and he was present on most occasions when Arsenal needed it. He should not have tried too hard to send off Deeney.
CM: Granit Xhaka – 7/10
Gave one of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt. His passing was impressive at times, and his intent to push the team forward was evident.
RAM: Mesut Özil – 5.5/10
Pretty quiet till display until he got the chance to score and he took it well.
CAM: Aaron Ramsey – 3/10
Not the best of performances ahead of a contract negotiation.
LAM: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5/10
Excellent work ethic down the left and created a good chance for Lacazette. Nothing really good otherwise.
ST: Alexandre Lacazette – 7/10
Put the ball sweetly in the path of Ozil but missed a few glorious chances himself. His strength is good but can do better.
Substitutes
GK: Leno – 7/10
Did well to replace Cech in the second half. Made one exceptionally brilliant diving save early on in the second half.
FW: Iwobi – 7/10
Had an impact on Cathcart’s goal. He’s an excellent option to bring on from the bench.
