Walter Mazzarri’s side put in a much-improved performance after the break but the Italian was made to wait for his first win as Watford manager. Capoue then saw another effort blocked, before the ball landed at the feet of Roberto Pereyra who grabbed a goal on his debut.
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Watford gifted Arsenal the opener with just nine minutes played and were perhaps fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men in the process.
Watford: Watford has only one injury problem with Djedje missing with hamstring problem. “Pereyra, (Daryl) Janmaat, (Younes) Kaboul and (Isaac) Success all came in and did very well”.
The hosts began to sense an unlikely comeback as Jose Holebas and Odion Ighalo forced Petr Cech into a double save, moments before the latter clipped a bicycle kick over the crossbar.
Although it was a spirited recovery, the damage was already done in the first half.
“The first half we did well, scored three goals and could have scored more”. He’s a great player, we have a lot of players in this position, great players like Coquelin, Elneny, Jack Wilshere.
Granit Xhaka is a similar player to Emmanuel Petit, according to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
The second goal was a bit nicer, as some good play led to Alexis tipping the ball just over the line from an uncommon angle. I think what we’ve seen from him today is what we want from him, to give assists, but he is going to score goals.
“In the second half he dropped physically, but of course, we need him”.
This, then, was just the performance and outcome required heading into the worldwide break.
“We had to work very hard to get the signings done”. It gives us a chance to get some oxygen and some space.
The Hornets will aim to get back on track at Vicarage Road when they welcome the Gunners this Saturday as their first match at home ended in a 2-1 loss to Chelsea.
9 – The number of penalties Watford have given away since the start of the 2015-16 Premier League season.
Watford started their Premier League season with a 1-1 draw against Southampton on the opening day of the season, followed by two home losses to Chelsea and Arsenal.
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It was Arsenal left celebrating a first three-point haul of the campaign.
