Watford (1.3) 2 - 3 (1.0) Arsenal
Phew, we don't like to make it easy now do we? I'll be sending the bill to Arsenal when I inevitably have to get the Rob Holding special as I will be bald by 30 and in need of a hair transplant. This was a massive game with us charging for a UCL spot, as we knew West Ham already dropped points to Liverpool on Saturday and 99% sure United would drop points to City in the later fixture. With Watford being 19th in the table, this surely was a must win and luckily we got the job done thanks to three goals that honestly could be made into a montage and put on display in the Louvre. Wherever Wenger was watching from, you can guarantee it was with a smile on his face after the goals scored by Ødegaard, Saka, and Martinelli.
Coffee in hand, getting comfy on the couch, and giving the Twitter feed a quick scroll, the ball was in the back of the net and the crowd erupted - and not in the "the away fans are going crazy" kind of way, but in the home stands. I look up puzzled and ask myself what the hell just happened thankfully only to see the AR have his flag raised, but I should have known right then and there this was not going to be a walk in the park as I hoped for. The first ten minutes were a bit chaotic, with two peachy goals being scored (one for each of us). Silky work from Ø to feed Saka who then found Ødegaard back to slot us home 1-0 in the first five minutes and the nerves were eased... but not so fast. Anyone could appreciate the next goal, I don't care who you support or if you hate Watford. The ball came in from the right channel and up goes Cucho Hernández. Hits a bike and honestly don't think anyone could do much about it. Shades of Rooney in 2011. Just a sweet sweet goal to watch even if it was against us and it meant me losing my double clean sheet for fantasy premier league. Kudos to him, if Son can win goal of the year for just running up the pitch vs Burnley, surely this goal must be a favorite to win this year.
In the attack, we looked quite dangerous when we were knocking the ball around with tempo. It is how we scored all three of our goals. Saka got us to 2-1 after catching a Watford player sleeping and then linking with Laca for a 1-2 and lethal finish to follow. Shortly after the second half started more of the same with quick one touch passing and another spectacular finish from Martinelli had us seemingly in control and cruising to a fourth straight victory. We kinda looked shaky throughout defensively as I thought Ramsdale wasn't quite on top of it yesterday, particularly with his distribution. A few times I was holding my breath after spilling some shots or hitting errant passes. I think more or less this is what comes with a young team though. Fortunately for us it has been more positive than negative, but this is good experience for all involved and I think is kinda the stuff we have to experience if we want to be a top team. Good teams know how to win ugly and as things point I think this squad is learning how to do so when needed.
I found it a little bit frustrating yesterday at times when we could have countered with some ferocity, but seemed as if we either were not sharp enough with distribution out or the tempo was lacking. I know not every chance we get we are going to go full out 100% on the counter, but it is just something I kinda noticed. You look at the City's and the Liverpool's and it feels like any chance they get to counter they take it and before you know it the ball is in the back of the net and it always appears to be surgical. We are a young team and growing, so maybe it will come in due time, but just something I noticed a few times yesterday when I thought the counter was clearly on.
Credit to Lacazette on the day, as he popped up for 2 more assists bringing his tally to 8 on the year. Being a striker we expect to see goals and I have been critical of him for that, much like many, but one thing you cannot fault is his effort and what he does outside of scoring. He links the play and really does make all of those around him better. Hopefully he can break the duck soon and get back to scoring, but he is a top professional and I know he will be happy simply helping the team whether that means goals or doing what he is now. Enough to reward with another contract? Not sure. For me it would depend on how long, how much money we would be offering, and naturally who we would be buying in the summer. Top pro though and they are good to have around for the squad (see Holding, Elneny, etc.).
Lastly, and I will keep this brief, but I saw people claiming for Pepe to start and what more does he have to do to earn that. Well... Saka is kinda playing out of this world right now and I don't really think we try to fix what isn't broken. Some claiming he should be over Martinelli, but that means he is shoved out on the left and honestly I don't think he would be that effective for us there. If anyone ESR should go out there when fit. I know it's hard and probably not fair, but right now I think it is best we bring Pepe off the bench with 20-30 to go and let him run at tired legs. Not quite convinced he has done enough to really displace Saka from the starting XI. Hopefully this is good enough for him for now and we get Pepe at his 100% best each time he comes on. He certainly can make an impact and leave his mark for us this year.
Over to Everton tonight as they take on Spurs. Hopefully they can help us out, but I am not really holding my breath. Leicester on Sunday next followed by Liverpool midweek. Big games on the horizon. Until then, come on you Gunners!
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