Arsenal were victors over Watford at Emirates stadium in the concluding game of the season. The win that would eventually be relegating the Hornets from the Premier League. Three goals in the first half and then stopping their opposition from producing a possible comeback from a resurgent Watford side were enough for the Gunners to end their campaign on eighth in the points table. A brace from Aubameyang and a strike from Kieran Tierney put Arsenal on the driving seat.
This was before Watford managed to create a climax with Troy Deeney’s penalty. A goal from a former player, Danny Welbeck was also added in the second half. Arsenal’s goalie, Emiliano Martinez kept out further attempts to confirm their opposition’s status for the next season.
Here we look at some of the major talking points of the game that Watford had all to do but failed in their mission.
Aubameyang shows his class again:
Arsenal’s main man once again lived up to his billings and scored a brace in the last game of the season. Although the Gunners had little things to play for on Sunday, the Gabonese star’s consistency is a joy for Arteta whose team now turn their attention to the FA Cup final in a weeks time. The ex-Dortmund striker just missed out on the golden boot award to Jamie Vardy and his 22 goals tally makes him the highest scorer in the squad. He also scored those goals when Arsenal was finding a little harder to get a grip on proceedings. The board should be desperate to tie him down to a new contract as he’s the person the team should build around.
Martinez the saviour:
Arsenal has their goalkeeper to thank for after his heroic performances post-lockdown. The number 1 turned up at the right moment to save his side from difficult situations by preventing Watford to turn the game on their heads. He put up two excellent saves in the second half when Welbeck threatened to shift them towards the edge. Martinez stood a commanding figure in between the sticks and he is one of the few good things fans will cheer for this season. Arteta will be wishing his magnificent form prevail in the big game ahead.
Defensive woes are back for the Gunners:
After losing out to Tottenham, earlier this month, Arteta seems to have resolved striking issues at the back. They did so by defeating champions Liverpool in the league and eliminating Manchester City from FA Cup in back-to-back games. Those problems seem to have haunted them back in defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday and during this narrow victory over Watford. The Gunners faced difficulties in averting Watford’s continuous drive towards their box with Ismaila Sarr and Danny Welbeck constantly keeping the back three busy. Arteta would hope that against a more proven attack in Chelsea, Arsenal doesn’t have to turn up on their goalkeeper Martinez only.
Kieran Tierney the plus point; David Luiz awful:
Gunners have two different figure guarding their defence. One is Kieran Tierney, the boy from Scotland. He is quickly turning to be a man. He is the one that shined in the back four, scoring a goal and providing an assist for Aubameyang’s second of the day. Tierney’s commitment game-by-game is winning hearts. A lot is expected to come from him in the coming seasons.
The other one is the familiar error maker, David Luiz. The Brazilian’s influence in the defence is a bit of a see-saw ride. He suddenly turns up in crucial games and then loses his bearings completely in other matches. That too when you least expect him to commit mistakes. His penalty conceding stat is awful as he became the defender to give away penalties the most in a single season. This was after fouling Danny Welbeck in the box. A record that Arsenal surely never wanted from him while giving him a one-year contract extension.
Watford fought but failed:
The Hornets tried their best to outperform their opposition of the day. Despite that, they ultimately sank in the relegation zone. With Aston Villa drawing 1-1 against West Ham to stay up, it was hard done by Watford who did everything but failed. Ismalia Sarr and Danny Welbeck provided some moment of inspiration. Despite scoring two crucial goals they were left with nothing but Championship football for next season.
