Arsenal handed huge selection boost vs Watford

As Arsenal get set to face Watford for the second time this season, preparations might be even easier given the new man at the helm.

Roy Hodgson has taken over the reins since the 1-0 win at the Emirates, returning to management with a defined style of play that saw him keep Crystal Palace in the Premier League comfortably year upon year on a shoestring budget.

Tactically he’s implemented a new defensive structure to the Hornets, one that lives and dies on its compactness and the team’s ability to shift across in tandem with possession to prevent progression down one side.

This shape also works as a means for Watford to turn the ball over and spring into attack, a la Palace. Hodgson’s system is designed for his side to re-assume possession and be in a position where they can feed their dangerous attacking players.

Arsenal handed huge selection boost vs Watford with Ismaila Sarr ruled out of Sunday’s Premier League clash through injury

Looking at this poor Watford team, the pair of Emmanuel Dennis and Ismaila Sarr are where the obvious threat lies. The Nigerian and Senegalese players respectively are by far their most dangerous outlets and keeping them quiet will invariably keep Watford quiet.

So, with the news of Sarr suffering a hamstring injury that will rule him out for the foreseeable future, Arsenal can feel somewhat relieved.

"“It’s a muscle strain, the same with Troost-Ekong,” said Hodgson, 74, of Sarr. “It’s going to keep them both out of the equation for the foreseeable future, but I don’t know how long exactly.“It’s not a minor thing, it’s not a knock, both have muscle strains, and that can take anything from a week to four weeks to recover from.”"

Even with Sarr in the team Arsenal should have no excuses to beat Watford. Languishing in 19th position with the worst defensive record at home, this is a huge game for Arsenal to keep climbing up the Premier League table.

With both West Ham and Wolves losing on Saturday, Manchester United facing Man City on Sunday and Tottenham not featuring until Monday, and Watford being without arguably their best player, it’s all set up for the Gunners to keep inching their way closer towards the Champions League.

And, if Watford do go down, Sarr might be worth a look in the transfer market as pacey cover in wide areas for Bukayo Saka and co. If he can shake this injury problems, of course.