By Merlion
August 28 2016

Some thoughts, musings, and ratings from AT regular contributor Merlion on Watford 1 Arsenal 3:

Watford were torn to pieces using out-of-date tactics like 3-5-2 and then 4-4-2 with Arsenal dominating midfield and passed the ball at will in 1st half.

But during the hand-shaking ceremony with both teams lining up at centre-cicrle, one couldn't help noticing that Arsenal is a team of midgets in contrast to all those hunky Watford players.

It was a joy to watch Arsenal passing through those journeymen instead of attempting to dribble through 2 or 3 players.

Plus in the 2nd half, if only Alexis and OX had the predator instinct to be at the right place when those crosses came flashing in from right flank.

Hurrah for the confidence in both Walcott and OX attempting to chip the goalie but lack the technical skills of Vela (Vela ha ha. Ed) to score successfully.

It also proved that Ozil is vital and he brought out the best in Alexis.


7 - Cech - he saved us and one's noticed that he exuded calmness in the box;
6 - Monreal - did his job without covering from OX
7 - Koscielny - good lord, without him we would be overwhelmed by Watford in 2nd half;
7 - Holding - impressive and improved in every game he has played.
6 - Bellerin - Tackling improving. He looked good with Walcott putting in a shift.

7 - Ozil - the metronome of the team.
7 - Xhaka - the Invisible Wall with his accurate long ball reminisce of Fabregas and Song
6 - Cazorla - quietly doing the dirtys deep in midfield

7 - Alexis - back to his Duracell Bunny style.
7 - Walcott - impressive with his work-rate, hunger and tackling.
5 - OX - Lots of running but it all never quite paid off.

Substitute:
5 - ELneny - added fresh energy and was a willing runner, but well, that's all.
5 - Wilshere - running here and there, earned a silly yellow. What was his role?
N/A - Gibbs - not long enough on the pitch to rate.


This team has potential to win 2016/17 title if they can string together a run of at least 6 consecutive wins and remain unbeaten in 2016.

With Iwobi and Ramsey back, plus new signing Perez and Mustafi strengthening defence, it may mean that OX will be dropped as he is not improving unlike Walcott who created far more menance in the final third, even if it didnt always pay off.

Monreal at left flank often suffered from any cover in front of him with OX at left flank.

PS why  weren't Arsenal wearing red and white? The away strip was far closer to the Watford strip than the home kit is.

More discussion on ratings here