Match Analysis: Arsenal defeat Watford 4-1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCAr1r7ReoY

It was another strong performance from Arsenal defeating Watford 4-1 in their fourth preseason match. There were strong standout performances from Eddie Nketiah, Kieran Tierney, Sambi Lokonga, and Miguel Azeez.

Arsenal started strong, just as they did against Millwall in a 4-1 victory, opening up the scoring with a beautiful curler from Nketiah in the 16th minute. It was a well-found pass from Willian, but the goal was all thanks to a strong run down the left flank from Nketiah, who was able to cut back inside and curl it past Watford's Daniel Bachmann.

Watford would find a response thanks to their constant pressure against Arsenal in the Gunners' defensive third. By pressing Leno, the Arsenal goalkeeper was forced to pass it short to central midfielder Mohamed Elneny and Elneny was unable to keep possession as Watford's Philip Zinckernagel put it in the back of the net.

Arsenal continues to show defensive woes when they are pressed severely in their defensive third and they are more susceptible to giving up goals when some of the bench players are introduced into the starting eleven. Arteta has tried improving the nagging problem, and it must be addressed before the start of the Premier League season otherwise, many teams like Man City, Liverpool, and others who are known for high pressing, will pounce on those opportunities.

Coming out for the second half Arsenal made several changes bringing on Alex Runarsson, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, Tierney, Thomas Partey, Nicholas Pepe, and Alexandre Lacazette. Once again with the central midfield pairing between Partey and Lokonga proved to be a success. Both midfielders were able to maintain a strong presence in the neutral third and continued to pass the ball forward to create chances for Pepe, Lacazette, and others.

Thanks to a quick set-piece opportunity taken in the 69th minute by Lacazette, he found Ainsley Maitland-Niles who was able to earn a penalty kick inside the 18-yard box. Lacazette was the one to take the PK and buried it, notching the match to 2-1 Arsenal.

In the 77th minute it was an utter downpour and thanks to a strong cross from Emile Smith Rowe, Tierney was able to connect on the end of the cross and put Arsenal up 3-1. It was a bit fortunate for Arsenal considering the weather conditions. Watford seemed to have the cross covered enough, but a couple of deflections led to the ball landing right at Tierney’s feet.

Another strong set-piece led to the fourth goal for Arsenal on the day. In the 86th minute, Arsenal earned a corner that was taken by Pepe who found Azeez at the top of the 18-yard box. Azeez would handle the rest as he took a touch to collect the placement and then curled it into the back of the net. The shot had so much bend on it that it left several stunned in the box.

At the final whistle, it was once again a strong performance that Arteta should be overall pleased with. It may have ended up being a blessing in disguise for Arsenal when they canceled their U.S. tour because they now build off two convincing wins in a row. While there are always a few details that need addressing, Arsenal will look to continue their recent confident run heading into the Mind Series at the Emirates Stadium. They will be hosting Chelsea at a near-capacity crowd on Aug. 13.