Arsenal continue looking for their first away league win of the season as they squandered a slender one-goal lead in controversial fashion to lose 2-1 to Watford on Saturday.
Per Mertesacker, making his first Premier League start in 532 days, marked his comeback with the Gunner’s first away league goal of the season. But, the Arsenal captain couldn’t inspire his side to earn all three points as a frantic and controversial 20-minute spell at the end of the match saw Watford come from behind to claim the win.
Hector Bellerin was penalised, perhaps harshly so, for bringing Richarlison down inside his own box and Troy Deeney made no mistake in converting from the spot. With the momentum completely on their side thereafter, Watford’s win was sealed when Tom Cleverley converted from close-range in the dying moments.
The result sent Watford into fourth place in the Premier League table, while Arsenal dropped down to 6th spot. In the aftermath of the match, Arsene Wenger was at the receiving end of fans’ frustration as the North Londoners remain in search of their first away win.
Imagine Carlo Ancelotti is available but Arsenal won’t go for him just so Wenger can have his last season. Boycott the Emirates please ?
— Paul MCG AFC ?? (@Paulmcg2017) October 14, 2017
Wenger “it was a scandalous decision ”
It wasn’t. It was a bad decision
A scandalous decision is that you signed another contract at Arsenal— Martin Wengrow (@MartinWengrow) October 14, 2017
Watford switched to a four at the back and won the game. Arsenal stayed the same and lost. Wenger caught short once again.
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) October 14, 2017
Arsenal’s ‘Wenger Forever’ fan brigade now seeing the full fruits of their pitiful lack of ambition. Enjoy!
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 14, 2017
WE WANT WENGER OUT SAY WE WANT WENGER OUT ????pic.twitter.com/gpGSSTzqdg
— Gooner Adam (@AdzCampbell91) October 14, 2017
Can’t wait for Wenger to leave. What a massive useless man he is.
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) October 14, 2017
No manager in world football has been given this much freedom to fail. Wenger’s time has come and gone. The game changed. He didn’t.
— Spencer FC (@SpencerOwen) October 14, 2017
Team selection and substitutions dreadful from Wenger. Literally every decision he makes you question. What on earth was he thinking?
— Pablo (@AFCAMDEN) October 14, 2017
Arsenal are a joke club, just need to accept this is what we are until Wenger leaves. FA Cup, Europa, Top 4, none of that should keep him.
— Dezil Dez (@DezilDezz) October 14, 2017
I’ll be 100% honest:
NOTHING will change as long as Arsène Wenger is the manager of this football club.
— Mukhtar ambrose (@Mike_Ambrose0) October 14, 2017
As ever, WENGER OUT.
— Highbury Harold (@BlackScarfAFC) October 14, 2017
Arsenal football club has officially died. Wenger killed his own creation. @arsenal
— Nasser Al-Rayes (@_AlRayes) October 14, 2017
Wenger simply doesn’t have a feel for the game anymore. Rarely makes substitutions that change the match in our favor.
— MC (@mediocentroEN) October 14, 2017
Granit Xhaka was singled out by Arsenal fans for a poor performance, while Gooners also continue clamouring for Jack Wilshere to get a Premier League outing.
Xhaka just stands there watching pic.twitter.com/KDW0kaW24h
— Rhys Ivey (@AFCRhys) October 14, 2017
Wilshere sat and watched the Watford winner from the bench.
Xhaka stood and watched it from the edge of the box.— talkSPORTDrive (@talkSPORTDrive) October 14, 2017
Chants of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ as Wenger brings on Holding for Koscielny (injured) instead of Jack Wilshere.
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) October 14, 2017
Jack Wilshere earlier #afc pic.twitter.com/Wlbu88L8v2
— Urban Arsenal (@ArsenalUrban) October 14, 2017
Look at Granit Xhaka. Sell him in the summer man, he’s costing us so many points. Unreal. pic.twitter.com/r4lWNnWvy4
— – (@WengerTactic_) October 14, 2017
Would probably say Xhaka was the worst player who started yesterday. Looks like he’s lost all composure recently. Jack deserves a run now.
— ™ (@TheFalseNein) October 15, 2017
Arsenal need Wilshere on. Creative runs from midfield will be key.
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) October 14, 2017
WILSHERE GOT TOLD TO SIT DOWN WHILST CLEVERLEY SCORING WINNERS
— Mark (@M_Sarfo15) October 14, 2017
Xhaka ball watching like he’s eight years old. Pathetic. pic.twitter.com/YO2rQQ4Y5l
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) October 14, 2017
So poor from Xhaka for Cleverly’s winner. Just stands there, watching. No desire whatsoever to get back. Sums up the capitulation really.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) October 14, 2017
Most players get better in their second season but as it stands, Xhaka has been at fault for more goals than he’s assisted.
— AFC_Andrew (@PR_WhoRu) October 14, 2017
Wenger said in his press conference that he has not seen Wilshere look this good in years, but hey let’s leave him on the bench still…..
— MR DT © (@MrDtAFC) October 14, 2017
But, there was some praise reserved for Per Mertesacker, who marked his first Premier League start in 532 days with Arsenal’s only goal.
Alexis is proud of you, @mertesacker #afc pic.twitter.com/iz0HmMn8zS
— Urban Arsenal (@ArsenalUrban) October 14, 2017
BFG. Captain and Leader.
— ♚ Kris ☆♚ (@Santi_Classorla) October 14, 2017
Per Mertesacker vs. Watford today:
First PL start in 532 days
First PL goal in 1,400 days (vs. Man City in December 2013)#afc pic.twitter.com/CcjsIDYO4S— afcstuff (@afcstuff) October 14, 2017