Arsenal and Watford played an intriguing game, which Arsenal triumphed in ultimately. However, both sides will have different perspectives on this. For Arsenal, it was a matter of winning ugly. For Watford, it was a case of points dropped, when maybe a draw could have been a fairer result.
In the end, Arsenal’s better-attacking qualities secured the win.
The introduction of Alex Iwobi was also a key factor and provided the width and directness lacking the first half.
45-minute football
Arsenal were again poor in the first half, and it was a mixture of Watford’s game plan, and Arsenal lacking fluency.
Ozil wasn’t on it, whilst Aubameyang was playing wide and not affecting the game in central attacking areas.
Lacazette missed a good chance, but the defence held well, despite Watford physicality and high pressing.
It was an ugly game without much stellar football, but in a way, it did show Emery had the capacity to change things when required.
I do feel the ultimate credit must be given to Watford and the manner in which they frustrated Arsenal. Though for whatever reason, there was a distinct lack of fluency. Moreover, Arsenal’s midfield was not up to it, and often left empty spaces for Watford to exploit.
Aubameyang wasted out wide
As a world-class forward, he is not being played in his prime/optimum position. Against Watford, he looked very isolated and not fully engaged in the game.
However, he has scored goals this season, but even still he looks lost. He provided a cross for Lacazette in the first half, and this shouldn’t be.
Imagine if Harry Kane provided crosses for Spurs or Aguero for City, would this do? No. They are prime forwards, and they need to be central and in the area as much as possible.
The issue is that there are numerous forwards which need accommodating, and this is a problem Emery needs to resolve, and quickly.
Yes, goals are being scored, and games being won. But we cannot waste Aubameyang’s talents, despite him scoring a few this season. He is clearly one of the elite forwards in world football, and Arsenal need to extract the best from him.
Iwobi reaching his potential
Iwobi isn’t just playing differently, he looks different. He seems bulkier, and his pace has improved to boot.
Is it due to Emery enhancing him? Or has he knuckled down to see how he can enhance himself and improve? It could be either or both. Whatever has happened, Iwobi was the difference when introduced on the pitch, and he took his time to assist the first goal, and contribute to the second.
Whatever the cause of his upturn, he has been a different class this season. It’s about time he reached his potential, and this could be the time it’s done. He has big shoes to fill since his uncle is the legendary Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha. Well, he can go some way to doing this, based on his performances this season.