Arsenal player ratings vs Watford: Gunners go fourth with 3-2 win

Arsenal moved into fourth place, briefly at least, on Sunday as goals from Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli secured a 3-2 win over Watford in the Premier League.

Two players had missed the most recent 2-1 win over Wolves, with Takehiro Tomiyasu nursing a calf injury and Emile Smith Rowe missing out with sickness.

The Gunners’ No. 10 was expected to return to the squad and possibly the starting lineup in place of Gabriel Martinelli, although he was once again absent from the squad having contracted Covid so the Brazilian started.

Despite the time off there would be no return for Tomiyasu though, with Cedric keeping his place at right-back for the fourth consecutive match.

Arsenal player ratings vs Watford as goals from Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli secure a 3-2 Premier League win

After Watford had a goal disallowed inside the opening minute, Arsenal found their feet and scored a glorious opener when Martin Odegaard flicked the ball through to Bukayo Saka, who cut it back for the Norwegian to calmly caress into the bottom corner.

The lead didn’t last long, though, as Cucho Hernandez’s fabulous overhead kick leveled matters with ten minutes gone. With half an hour on the clock Arsenal regained the lead, this time with Lacazette’s delightful backheel being met with a thumping finish from Saka beyond Foster.

Gabriel Martinelli then got in on the act with another sublime goal, one with an assist from the manager! Some gorgeous play involving Cedric, Odegaard and Lacazette finished with Martinelli smashing an effort into the top corner from distance.

Thinking the team were home and dry, Moussa Sissoko pounced on some slack defending to reduce the scoreline, setting up a nervy finish.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 5/10 – There were a couple of efforts for Ramsdale to deal with, many fairly comfortable, and the goal was one you just have to tip your hat to. Nearly got caught out with some poor deliveries, and was found lacking for the Hornets’ second goal.

Cedric Soares (RB) – 6/10 – Watford had little joy down the right side where some neat combination play between Cedric, Odegaard and Saka regularly got in behind the hosts. As ever, the positive moments tend to be met with a few needlessly sloppy ones.

Benjamin White (CB) – 7/10 – Cleverly positioned himself in the box throughout the game with Watford looking threatening on the break, and when the ball did get into the Arsenal penalty area it was White more than anyone cleaning up. Very tidy afternoon up until Sissoko’s goal, where he wasn’t strong enough.

Gabriel (CB) – 6/10 – Once again shakier than usual, looking nervy in possession as he was against Wolves. Gabriel did grow into the game though, composing himself and choosing the right moments to drop off and press the ball.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 6/10 – For someone who has played left centre-back in a three many times, the adjustment to a more conservative left-back with Cedtic on the the other side has been tough for Tierney. He was getting exposed numerous times down his side at Vicarage Road and was caught napping. Another player who did grow into the game.

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