Alex Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka were absolutely brilliant during Arsenal’s first win of the season against Watford.
The ratings are a real mixed bag this time, considering as amazing as some of our men were, others were… not so much.
Petr Cech – 8
The goalkeeper’s first save of the game came after Kos sliced his clearance, almost scoring an own goal. Still, the 34-year-old showed fantastic reflexes to be able to jump into action so readily.
In the second half, the Czech international was called into action properly and pulled off some great saves.
Hector Bellerin – 7
The 21-year-old looked incredibly strong and mature. His low crosses across the box are coming along nicely.
Despite almost scoring a spectacular own goal, he was solid.
Rob Holding – 6.5
Another solid game. Even when he was caught out, he did well to recover.
Nacho Monreal – 6
Not one of the defender’s best games, oddly enough. He did go off injured in the 74th minute so maybe he was carrying a knock?
Santi Cazorla – 7.5
Our midfield maestro confidently scored our penalty. It was his first goal in 40 games. The Spaniard also made a brilliant tackle in the first half.
Granit Xhaka – 9
The midfielder’s high, cross-field passing is so accurate. He definitely adds another string to our bow when it comes to getting forward. Very, very exciting to watch.
Mesut Ozil – 9.5
The playmaker was amazing, as usual. Leaving Watford players in the dust and scoring Arsenal’s third goal. A speedy, expert header on the brink of half time.
Theo Walcott – 7
The forward could and should have put Arsenal 2-0 in the first half but was too slow to react. After this, however, he improved. Although, the chip he tried in the second half was… interesting…
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6
The Ox looked strong and confident in the first half but in the second he seemed a little lost and kept leaving Monreal in the lurch. He also had a go at a chip in the second half, which he shot over the bar, wasting what could have been a decent shot from someone else.
Alexis Sanchez – 10
An unreal player. Not only did he score but he had a hand in every goal. He and Ozil have amazing chemistry.
SUBS
Jack Wilshere – 3
The midfielder didn’t really do much other than complain to Elneny after he came on.
Mohamed Elneny – 5
Elneny did help to tighten us up slightly.
Kieran Gibbs – 4
A couple of risky moments but didn’t do anything massively awful.