Arsenal Vs Watford: 5 key players to watch – End on a high

3. Troy Deeney

Ever since Troy Deeney questioned Arsenal’s ‘cojones’ following Watford’s 2-1 win in which they bullied the Gunners, there has always been an understated rivalry between these two teams, with Deeney at the heart of it. A year later, he was sent off for a late elbow on Lucas Torreira, a clear sign of his intent to ‘rough Arsenal up’.

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Arteta was asked about getting ‘revenge’ on Watford by beating them and potentially relegating them. However, he flipped the question on its head, hinting that he might even agree with Deeney’s jibe at Arsenal’s lack of spunk and resilience:

"“No. I think revenge or when you are annoyed and when you want to put things right is probably because you feel that what has been said is right. If you don’t feel that it’s right or it doesn’t justify the way you approach the game or you fight, it doesn’t have to affect you. So I think that’s a very personal thing.”"

Of course, Deeney’s comments riled up Arsenal and the fanbase because they are correct. Arsenal do lack cojones. But ever since he arrived in December, Arteta has been keen to rebuild the culture at the club. His talk of attitude, commitment, ‘non-negotiables’ are all to build that strength of character and will that Deeney challenged. Deeney will certainly put it to the test on Saturday. Can Arsenal respond?