Arsenal Vs Watford: 5 things we learned – Aubameyang rescues Gunners

2. Koscielny the Colossus

Laurent Koscielny was the best player on the pitch. Positioned almost perfectly throughout, he was the anchor on which a resolute, if vastly under pressure, Arsenal defence was built on. Koscielny guided Konstantinos Mavropanos through the first hour, then patrolled a back three, and finally partnered Shkodran Mustafi, leading each defence expertly.

Amidst all of his excellent defending, especially his positioning against and clearing of crosses, it was his passing that was perhaps his most important asset. 97% pass completion rate, it was frequently Koscielny who released pressure by not just aimlessly clearing the ball but actually finding a teammate with an accurate pass forwards.

Koscielny has been in excellent form recently, one of Arsenal’s best players since his return from injury. It may be concerning that the club is relying on a 33-year-old with a broken Achilles, but that conclusion is for another time. For now, Koscielny is the best defender at the club. It is a nasty thought to think where it would be without its captain.