Gunners defeat Watford to remain second

Watford 0-3 Arsenal

Arsenal had to overcome a difficult task on Saturday evening, away to Watford, in order to consolidate their excellent performance and result against Manchester United in their previous Premier League match.

Going into this game Watford had only conceded one goal at home

and given the fact that during the international break the majority of their players remained with the club and effectively had two weeks to prepare for this game, Arsene Wenger was in no doubt his side were in for a tough 90 minutes.

In the first half in particular, Watford appeared to frustrate the Gunners, sitting back, allowing their opponents to have the lion’s share of possession, but remaining extremely well organised and tight at the back. Arsenal didn’t manage to start the match with the same verve and pace as they had done at home to Manchester United and therefore struggled to create clear cut opportunities.

Theo Walcott retained his place in the starting eleven as the main striker, but against a side that was happy to sit so deep, the Englishman struggled to get himself into the game. His one and only chance came from an excellent cross by Ramsey, which Walcott attempted to glance into the far corner with a deft header, but unfortunately was thwarted by Gomes in the Watford goal. With Walcott struggling to influence proceedings, the team looked to Alexis Sanchez for inspiration.

The Chilean had only arrived back in England on Thursday following the international break, in which he played two full games when not fully fit, scoring in both games. Any other player would have been forgiven for seeking a rest, but Sanchez is no ordinary player. The former Barcelona man was at the heart of Arsenal’s attacking play, using his supreme skill and quick feet to get past Watford players and create openings. In a tight first half it was Sanchez who first almost broke the deadlock, cutting inside as he so often does from the left flank and firing a thunderous shot which Gomes did well to stop. Shortly afterwards, Sanchez picked out Ramsey’s far post run, with a perfect pass over the top of the Watford defence, only for the Welshman to steer his volley over the bar.

It was no real surprise that when the deadlock was finally broken in the 62^nd minute it was that man Sanchez who had his name on the scoresheet. With Watford caught up field following a rare attack, Arsenal pounced. Etienne Capoue, who had worked extremely hard throughout the game to shackle the Gunners midfield, was now out of position, having attempted to win a penalty for his side with an elaborate fall. Twenty two seconds later and the ball was in the Watford net. Although Sanchez will receive great credit for the goal, the chief orchestrator was in fact Cazorla. The Spaniard picked the ball up on the edge of the box and showed great vision to pick out Ozil inside the area with a delightful reverse pass which took two or three Watford players out of the game. Ozil appeared to be fouled in the area but Sanchez wasn’t waiting around for the referee to blow his whistle, picking up the loose ball and firing it home, in off the near post.

From this point on Arsenal took control and in scenes reminiscent of the Manchester United game, finished off the job within twelve minutes. Before the game could be restarted, Giroud came on in place of Theo Walcott and didn’t have to wait too long to get himself onto the scoresheet. Ramsey’s shot on goal took a deflection towards the far post, where Ozil showed great awareness to cushion a pass into the path of Giroud, for the Frenchman to fire an effort into the roof of the net. That was Ozil’s sixth assist of the season, seeing him move to joint top in the assist table for the season so far, with the German’s influence growing game by game. By the 74^th minute, the match was over as a contest. This time it was Hector Bellerin who deserved great praise. Going into the weekend the Spaniard had created the highest number of chances in the Premier League and added to his tally with an excellent forward run, full of power and pace, before picking out Ramsey. The Welshman was free in the area and saw his goal bound shot deflect in off a Watford defender for his first goal of the season.

This was a very important result and performance for Arsenal. Going away to Watford after an international break was no easy task but the Gunners picked up from where they had left off against Manchester United. Arsenal had to be careful not to concede and Wenger will be slightly worried at the performance of Mertesacker who appeared lost at times, but overall the Frenchman will be pleased with his side. Most pleasing was the ruthlessness shown by the Gunners. Once they saw an opening they took it and having taken the lead, they pressed home their advantage and finished the game off in style. If Arsenal can maintain this level of performance and ruthlessness then they can potentially become genuine title contenders. The problem is that we have been here so many times before with Arsenal that it is now a case of seeing is believing.

First, can they maintain this form until January? And if so, can they then press on when the pressure is really on, or will they wilt under the pressure of a title charge? Only time will tell, but this is surely the best equipped squad Wenger has had to mount a real title challenge, since the Invincibles. The only problem is that they may be too reliant on Sanchez. Before the Chilean got back to full fitness, Arsenal looked rather ordinary, now he is back to his best the Gunners are on fire. Can Sanchez remain fit for the entire season, especially given the high intensity of his game? Once again, only time will tell.