Arsenal squandered an easy three points against Watford in the most Arsenal way possible.

Arsenal were in good form before the international break and, for the first time in a while, there was some excitement to see them play again.

Unfortunately, the performance left much to be desired. At best, Arsenal played within themselves but did just enough to take a half-time lead. That all went down the drain in the second half as we failed to put the game to bed, conceded a penalty after a Richarlison dive, then came away with nothing as Tom Cleverley scored the winner in stoppage time.

Just like that, a good run of form came to a crashing halt, and everyone is miserable again.

So, how did our darling, lovable plays fare?

Defence

Petr Cech 5

A game where he had few saves to make, and wasn’t at fault for either of the goals, yet would have been disappointed to concede at all. His atrocious record at saving penalties continued, and he wasn’t entirely convincing on the winner, either.

Laurent Koscielny 5

There was much concern about the prospect of Koscielny not being able to play, and on today’s evidence he didn’t look ready. The Frenchman was far from his assertive best, and had to be withdrawn late on with cramp.

Per Mertesacker 5

“Andre Gray just needs to pull on to Mertesacker,” said Steve McManaman on commentary, touting the old cliché about the German being slow. The idea he has never dealt with quick forwards before is fanciful. Ironically, it wasn’t the nippy Gray that gave him trouble, but the lumbering Deeney.

He will be pleased with an excellently taken goal, but at the same time, was unable to marshal Arsenal’s backline in the dying moments of the game, and will be disappointed he was unable to clear the ball in stoppage time before the winner.

Nacho Monreal 6

It wasn’t a stellar performance from Monreal but the Spaniard did produce the only moment of genuine quality in the second half for Arsenal. He stepped out and played a magnificent cross field pass to Bellerin, that regrettably went nowhere.

Next, midfield

Midfield

Hector Bellerin 4

His willingness to get forward was tempered by a frequently disappointing end product. While he’ll feel hard done by on the penalty decision, he struggled with Richarlison all match, and was beaten one v one on too many occasions.

Mohamed Elneny 4

The Egyptian did precious little to effect the game from the centre of the pitch, in a game crying out for some quality in midfield. His limitations on the ball were all too apparent, and ensured we keenly felt Ramsey’s absence.

Granit Xhaka 4

It’s gone under the radar, but Xhaka has had a poor start to the season. His passing has grown sloppy, as for every pass he threads through the middle of the pitch he puts one straight out of play under no pressure. It was his defending, though, that left much to be desired, especially as he watched Tom Cleverley stand in space just yards away for him for the winner and didn’t see it fit to close him down.

https://twitter.com/DerKopite/status/919267959813689344

Sead Kolasinac 5

A forgettable game for the Bosnian, who perhaps wasn’t as fit as we would have liked. He seemed more conservative with his runs forward, and didn’t make the most of the good positions he found himself in when he did venture forward.

Next, forwards

Forwards

Alex Iwobi 6

He had a good chance that was well-saved by Gomes, and did set-up the chance for Ozil in the second half as well. On another he day, he comes out of this game with a goal and assist.

Danny Welbeck 5

Always a willing runner and worker, but not very effective in the final third of the pitch. His return to the starting line-up seemed premature, and was confirmed when he pulled a muscle in the second half. It wasn’t the return to action he would have had in mind.

Alexandre Lacazette 5

He had a bright first half, making darting runs in behind and being tidy on the ball. He looked to be the only player in the team with enough quality to make something happen in the final third. But, as seems to be the trend this season, he failed to score within seventy minutes and was replaced by Giroud. We’ve long talked about having a striker who can play with Giroud, but it’s painfully obvious it’s always going to be a case of one or the other.

Next, subs

Subs

Rob Holding No rating

Holding came on in the latter stages for Laurent Koscielny, but wasn’t on the pitch long enough to make a difference.

Olivier Giroud 4

Every time the ball came his way, he failed to hold it up against Watford’s defence. He had no service at all, and effectively neutered Arsenal’s counter attack just by being on the pitch. Wenger’s decision to bring him on looks very questionable.