While Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil got the goals in what was a clinical first half for Wenger’s side, Xhaka was assured and confident in possession.
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An inspired first half display by an under pressure Arsenal side was enough to see off London rivals Watford as they put the game to bed in the opening 45 minutes.
After a brief bright spell from the hosts, Arsenal (1-1-1) struck on the break as Theo Walcott delivered a mouth-watering cross for Sanchez to bundle.
While Olivier Giroud remains restricted to a role on the bench after his Euro 2016 travails, Mesut Ozil made his first start of the season and instantly got involved.
They visibly exhausted after the interval and Watford pulled a goal back as club-record signing Roberto Pereyra scored a debut goal, but the hosts could not find a way to set up a grandstand finish.
Arsenal grab the much-needed three points, but a weak second half will subdue the celebrations somewhat.
“The second half they were 3-0 down and as a good Premier League side pushed for something and it was tougher”.
Bet365 make Arsenal 8/11 favourites to win this one with Watford 4/1 outsiders. So I’m very happy that he scored because that’s what he has to add to his game.
Wenger joked that he is “scared” of the total sum that Arsenal seem certain to spend and predicts the Premier League clubs will easily top £1 billion in summer transfer spending. The next two will be very important for us’. And I think when I told you the transfer is linked of course with talent, the expected strength, but as well with resale. The window closing on Wednesday will help us [settle].
The Hornets pushed for another goal in the closing stages but were unable to bypass the Arsenal defence, as the visitors claimed their first win of the season.
Arsenal had seven shots on target in this game, six of which were in the first half. It gives us a chance to get some oxygen and some space.
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And, despite breaking an unwanted Premier League record on his debut, Wenger has likened the Switzerland global to a club great just three games into the 2016/17 campaign.
