Arsenal Vs Watford: Player ratings – Holding holds his place?

Arsenal. HECTOR BELLERIN. 5.0. Not the best from Bellerin, again. Roberto Pereyra really caused him some problems early on, Troy Deeney looked to peel onto him, as is expected, and Watford’s main threat certainly came down the Gunners’ right flank. That said, he got forward well, although his delivery was largely poor again, and doesn’t get much help from those in front of him.. RB

SHKODRAN MUSTAFI. 4.0. Dealt with crosses very well, which Watford certainly looked to utilise against this normally vulnerable backline. But he also committed far too many stupid fouls trying to win headers from goal kicks and long clearances and didn’t look very comfortable on the ball — he didn’t necessarily lose possession, but he takes too many touches, slows down the play, and invites pressure onto his teammates.. CB. Arsenal

Arsenal. ROB HOLDING. 7.0. MAN OF THE MATCH: Holding is winning Man of the Match out of necessity — there wasn’t really anyone else who I felt deserved it. And he was exposed once badly as Isaac Success raced in behind him, only to clip his effort wide of the far post. But he was brilliant from crosses, he was comfortable on the ball, he was calm and composed, positionally, he was excellent, and he looked like much the better centre-half of the pair. He just needs to be careful with his lack of speed.. CB

NACHO MONREAL. 6.0. A nice, solid display from Monreal. He made several astute defensive headers at the far post, got forward well at the other end and wasn’t wholly exploited by Will Hughes, although it should be stated that Hughes is the type of attacker that suits Monreal’s skill set. There were other issues in this team besides Monreal. And that is almost the point of him. He’s never going to be special, but he will always be solid.. LB. Arsenal