Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard starred in Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Watford as the Gunners progressed in their quest for Champions League football.
Arsenal took a giant step towards achieving a top-four finish with yet another away win, this time against Watford. A late Moussa Sissoko goal led to a nervy final few minutes, but the Gunners hung on to take three crucial points and march onto the fourth spot.
Watford thought they had scored after just 17 seconds, only for the assistant to raise the flag. Nerves were at play for Arsenal early on, but they settled down well before Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka combined expertly, with the Norwegian netting the opener at Vicarage Road.
Five minutes later, Cucho Hernandez equalised with one of the goals of the season contender, as he powered an overhead kick past Aaron Ramsdale after a brilliant cross from Kiko Femenia. Around the 30th minute mark, Saka stole the ball off of Tom Cleverley’s legs, then combined with Alexandre Lacazette before thumping the ball beyond Ben Foster to restore Arsenal’s lead.
After the goal, the Gunners dominated until the interval and added a third early in the second half, after another brilliant combination play and one-touch football, which allowed Lacazette to set up Gabriel Martinelli, who again finished it with aplomb.
The away side seemed more likely to add to their tally, as Watford relied on scraps and hopeful half-chances. However, they got another break late in the game, as Sissoko slotted the ball past Ramsdale to set up a nervy finish for the north Londoners, who held on to collect three points. Here’s how the Arsenal players fared during their win over Watford.
Aaron Ramsdale: 4/10
Ramsdale was nervous all game and made some questionable decisions, while his kicking was bad. There were a few moments when he might have given Watford half a chance to score, but the home side failed to take advantage. He should have done better to keep out the second goal, although there was no stopping the first.
Cedric Soares: 6/10
When Arsenal attacked with the ball, Cedric was heavily involved with Saka and Odegaard on the right side. Defensively he was sound, barring a few sloppy moments, which were not too dangerous for his team. The Portuguese has covered well for Takehiro Tomiyasu and has become a key part of the side in recent weeks.
Ben White: 7/10
Ben White showcased some stout defending as he was always available to deal with the danger. He sometimes got himself into goalscoring positions on the other end, particularly with one attempted volley, which he should have connected better.
Gabriel Magalhaes: 5.5/10
Gabriel had another mixed game, with the defender looking shaky at the back. Overall he did well, but sometimes there were lapses in concentration, which fortunately did not cost Arsenal. The Brazilian was much like his old self in the second half, although Arteta needs to iron out a few issues with the defender.
Kieran Tierney: 5/10
A worrying trend is starting to emerge in Tierney’s game, although it could be because Arteta asked him to stay behind more than attack from the front. The Watford attackers got some joy down his flank, which resulted in both their goals.
Thomas Partey: 8/10
Thomas Partey won more duels (8), completed more take-ons (3) and won more aerial duels (3) than any other Arsenal player against Watford.
He also completed the most passes on the pitch (69). Nice. ? pic.twitter.com/9CaS6V7Boh
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 6, 2022
Partey put in another top-draw performance, with the Ghanaian coming out on top in midfield battles. As has been the trend in recent games, the former Atletico Madrid man created chances with the ball at his feet and was barely wriggled out of control by Cleverley or Sissoko. He had a few long-range shots, which seems to be getting closer to the target with each passing game.
Granit Xhaka: 6.5/10
A relentless performance from Xhaka. He kept the team ticking with his passing. While the attacking setup on his side is still a work in progress, the Swiss midfielder seems to be gelling into his new role quite well. The only problem was his contribution to Watford’s second goal, as his sloppy diagonal started the buildup.
Martin Odegaard: 9/10
Martin Ødegaard for Arsenal vs. Watford:
91% pass accuracy
88 touches
31 passes in final third (most)
9 ball recoveries
5 duels won
4 chances created (most)
4 tackles (=most)
2 touches in opp. box
1 shot
1 goalAnother fantastic display.✌️ pic.twitter.com/oCPZu7cFCk
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 6, 2022
Odegaard continues to grow into an influential figure in this Arsenal side, and, with each passing game, his £30 million price tag seem like a bargain. He stitched Arsenal’s attack together and was instrumental in the Gunners scoring three goals, while he netted the opener as well – his fifth of the season.
Bukayo Saka: 9/10
Saka’s meteoric rise continues, with the 20-year-old putting in a superb performance with a goal and an assist to his name. He linked with Odegaard for the opening goal, then thumped Lacazette’s lay-off to score Arsenal’s second. A new contract needs to be sorted out as soon as possible for the youngster.
Bukayo Saka’s game by numbers vs. Watford:
67 touches
25 passes in final third
6 crosses
4 touches in opp. box
4 duels won
3 ball recoveries
3 tackles
2 interceptions
2 chances created
1 shot
1 goal
1 assistHe was superb. ? pic.twitter.com/gAqIx0NtuG
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 6, 2022
Gabriel Martinelli: 6.5/10
Martinelli was not involved much in the game, which was the case with the entire left side of the field. However, when it mattered, he struck his chance sweetly beyond Foster for Arsenal’s third, which eventually turned out to be the winner.
Alexandre Lacazette: 8/10
A good showing from Arsenal’s leading man, bagging two important assists in the game. While his physical involvement has become the norm for the Gunners, he did have a few half-chances to score from, which he didn’t. The Frenchman will be pleased with his performances, as he remains the top assister in this team.
SUBSTITUTES
Nicolas Pepe: 6/10
Pepe did not have the energy he showed against Wolves but was still somewhat dangerous in the attack. He did win a few aerial duels, although he did not come close to adding another one.
Eddie Nketiah: 6/10
Nketiah did come close to scoring with his shot hitting the post. Other than that, the striker got himself booked late in the game.
Rob Holding: N/A
He came on to shore up the backline for the last few minutes and barely had anything to do.
