Arsenal stuttered in a shock 1-2 defeat to Watford at Emirates and watched Chelsea extend their lead at the top. The first 45 minutes saw what could probably be Arsenal’s worst 45 minutes of the season (yet) while Watford had their best. While Arsenal could’ve done much better, credit must be given to Watford for their gritty defence and determination to not let the match slip despite being under immense pressure by Arsenal’s desperate attempts to pull off a comeback in the second half.
Here are the player ratings.
Arsenal
Cech: 6/10
This was certainly a poor game considering how brilliant he usually is between the sticks. Certainly not the better of the two keepers out there last night.
Monreal: 6/10
Sure one can give credit to him for trying but he was mediocre overall with no highlighted impact in defence or attack. Good luck facing Chelsea with this performance.
Koscielny: 6/10
After a poor first half, his performance in the second half was of a much better standard. Arsenal could’ve used some of it in the first half.
Mustafi: 6.5/10
With a good performance aerially, much cannot be said about the composure in the first half. This applies to the whole defence in all honesty.
Gabriel: 6.5/10
Out of all the Arsenal defenders, he displayed the best possible. He had some crucial interceptions and was decent going forward. His crossing could’ve been better nonetheless.
Iwobi: 8/10
He was undoubtedly the best Arsenal player today and had a goal to show as well. His performance in the second half was highly commendable and he would’ve had a better impact had he not played on the right in the first half.
Ramsey: 6/10
Didn’t do much in the little time he was there and was replaced by Oxlade-Chamberlain in the early minutes of the first half.
Walcott: 6.5/10
Arsenal looked a much better team with him on.
Ozil: 7/10
Had a couple of key passes and managed to create 5 chances in the process (via Squawka.com).
Giroud: 6/10
Absolutely shambolic with not a single shot taken.
Sanchez: 6.5/10
A beautiful assist but pathetic overall for a player of his standards.
Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7/10
Awkward in his tackles, he did a decent job replacing Ramsey early on. The team’s performance made him look better.
Perez: 6.5/10
Complemented the attackers and had a shot off the post. Could’ve been a different story had he scored.
Watford
They can be proud of their attack in the first half and the defence in both. Deeney was sensational while Capoue, Kaboul and Prodl were the instrumental in keeping Arsenal at bay.
Gomes: 7.5/10
The keeper delivered with some good saves and positioning to deny Arsenal any chance of a comeback.
Janmaat: 7/10
While he was a thorn in Arsenal’s side with his attempts, he could’ve been much better going upfront.
Cathcart and Britos: 6/10
Least instrumental of the Watford players and did nothing much in comparison.
Kaboul: 8/10
Scored a goal, impressed aerially, cleared well and stuck to his job quite well.
Prodl: 7.5/10
An impressive 12 clearances with a 100% aerial challenge rate (via Squawka.com).
Cleverley: 7/10
A decent showing overall by grabbing an assist.
Behrami: 6.5/10
Did a steady job and ensured stability in the midfield.
Capoue: 8/10
Easily one of the best players last night along with Deeney with some brilliant take-ons and a couple of crucial ball winning moments.
Niang: 6.5/10
A decent showing from the new signing.
Deeney: 8/10
The importance of his physical presence can be highlighted the way he troubled the Arsenal defence. A goal to add to his brilliant performance today.
Success, Abdoulaye Do and Okaka: 6.5/10
Did their job as substitutes to see off the game with minimum fuss.
