Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Watford: 5 things we learned – Thank God it’s over

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Photo by RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Photo by RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Watford’s English striker Danny Welbeck (C) scores their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Watford at the Emirates Stadium in London on July 26, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Watford’s English striker Danny Welbeck (C) scores their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Watford at the Emirates Stadium in London on July 26, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. Defending, defending, defending

Arsenal may have scored three goals and looked comfortable on the scoresheet, but in reality, not at one stage did they seem in control of the match. It was open, disconnected, oftentimes extremely threatening and dangerous, and it largely stemmed from the Gunners’ inability to contain Watford’s attack play.

David Luiz and Rob Holding struggled greatly. They did not track runners, pressed the ball poorly, and never looked especially attentive when combinations were played in and around the penalty area. Ismaila Sarr was threatening throughout, using his pace down the right side, while the midfield offered limited protection.

Emiliano Martinez was forced to make several excellent saves, especially in the second half, while Arsenal were never able to slow down the game and take control of proceedings. They were grasping for dominance, which was always ever so slightly out of their reach. Against more clinical attacking teams, they will be punished.