Arsene Wenger has revealed that he believes Quique Sanchez Flores has exceeded expectations at Watford this season.

The Spaniard has only been in charge of the Hornets for a season but has managed to keep them safe from relegation with seven games to go.

Speaking ahead of our match against Watford on Saturday, Wenger was keen to praise the former Valencia player.

“He has done extremely well,” Wenger admitted to the press.

“Watford was a candidate to fight to avoid relegation and with seven games to go they are quite safe so I think he has done extremely well – beyond expectations.”

Last time we met the Hornets, the outcome was disappointing, to say the least. Quique Sanchez Flores did indeed exceed expectations by knocking us out of the FA Cup at the Emirates – a trophy we had held for two years. This time, we can’t afford to let another result like that occur. We need the three points, so while I’m glad Wenger is as respectful and classy as he always is off the pitch, it should be a different matter on it. Let’s hope it is.