Watford (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Bukayo Saka starred as Arsenal leapfrogged Manchester United into the Premier League high 4 on Sunday with a 3-2 win at struggling Watford.
Martin Odegaard struck early for the guests earlier than Cucho Hernandez equalised with a shocking overhead kick minutes later.
England worldwide Saka put Arsenal again in entrance after half an hour and Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli elevated the guests’ lead early within the second half.
A late aim from Moussa Sissoko towards the run of play gave Watford hope however the Gunners held out for a vital win.
The victory lifts Mikel Arteta’s males into fourth place within the Premier League — one level forward of United, who’re in motion within the later kick-off towards leaders Manchester Metropolis.
Watford had the ball within the web a number of seconds after kick-off however Emmanuel Dennis’s effort was dominated offside.
Arsenal settled shortly after their early scare and have been in entrance within the fifth minute after neat work down the correct, with Saka chopping again to Odegaard, who completed along with his left foot.
However the Gunners’ benefit was cancelled out within the eleventh minute when Hernandez produced an acrobatic overhead kick from close to the penalty spot after a cross from Kiko Femenia.
Arsenal restored their benefit simply after the half-hour mark with a cleverly crafted aim completed by Saka.
The England man dispossessed Tom Cleverley simply outdoors the Watford field earlier than passing to Alexandre Lacazette, who held the ball up then backheeled it again to Saka, who fired in.
Arsenal prolonged their lead early within the second half with a pleasant third from Martinelli, who hammered house from the sting of the field after a neat layoff from Lacazette.
Watford nonetheless supplied a risk regardless of Arsenal’s superiority and Denis ought to have narrowed the hole however miscued an opportunity on the far publish with about 20 minutes to go.
Arsenal substitute Eddie Nketiah hit woodwork with 10 minutes to go and Sissoko gave the guests a late scare when he bundled the ball house within the 87th minute.
The win makes Arsenal robust favourites to complete within the high 4 and qualify for subsequent season’s Champions League — a contest they haven’t performed in for the reason that 2016/17 season.
They’ve 48 factors after 25 video games, one forward of United, who had performed two video games extra forward of the Manchester derby.
Roy Hodgson’s Watford stay second from backside of the Premier League desk, three factors from security.
