These are the Arsenal player ratings for the Premier League game against Watford, as voted for by you, the fans using our Player Rater.
Petr Cech – 6.7
Cech had a shaky moment in the first half, but in the end dealt with it well. Other than that he was rarely tested.
Hector Bellerin – 8.1
Hector was incredible. His pace going forward proved to be a constant attacking threat, and the width he provides on the right helps compensate for the lack of it that Aaron Ramsey offers. Bellerin set up Ramsey’s goal with an impressive driving run, his pace exposed Nathan Ake all game.
Per Mertesacker – 6.6
Watford looked to exploit Mertesacker’s lack of pace throughout, it almost worked once or twice. The German may find it difficult to keep Gabriel Paulista out of the side, as the Brazilian, alongside Koscielny allows us to play with a back four that possesses lots of pace, meaning we can play with a high line.
Laurent Koscielny – 7.3
When we were under pressure in the first half, Koscielny was outstanding. One particular moment stands out, where he had to defend alone against Deeney and Ighalo and he managed the situation excellently.
Nacho Monreal – 7.1
Monreal was rarely tested defensively and didn’t offer too much going forward. Alexis was allowed the attacking freedom on the left, leaving Monreal to cover. The Spaniard did nearly score from a Bellerin cross, that would have been something..
Francis Coquelin – 7.5
Coquelin was top quality as always. His consistency in 2015 has been really impressive, whilst his improving technical ability is also a positive.
Santi Cazorla – 8.2
The pass master, Santiago Cazorla. He looks reborn in that deep lying midfield role and considering he turns 31 this season and has never been the fastest player, it is ideal to have Santi in a deeper role where he can dictate the tempo of the game. The Spaniard has made the most successful passes in the Premier League this season (667), 102 more than 2nd placed Cesc Fabregas (565).
Aaron Ramsey – 7.4
Ramsey missed a sitter in the first half, but overall his game was very good. A polished passing performance capped with goal towards the end of the match, which will have hopefully given the Welshman plenty of confidence.
Mesut Ozil – 8.4 (Man of the Match)
Mesut was man of the match and had a wonderful game. He created six key chances and managed two assists, pushing him closer to the all time assists record of 181, held by Juan Riquelme.
Alexis Sanchez – 8.3
The Chilean was electric again. After an international break where he played every minute in both games for Chile and returned on Friday (!!), some feared he would be jaded. Not the case. He always looked a threat and scored another goal. Hopefully he can remain as fresh for the Bayern Munich game on Tuesday, Arsene Wenger removed him with 9 minutes to go to give him some rest.
Theo Walcott – 6.1
Walcott was not as good as he has been in recent matches, but kept working hard right up until he was substituted. He was not as effective against a deep defensive line and Giroud’s goal from the bench will have put him under a bit of pressure.
Subs
Olivier Giroud (on for Walcott 66′) – 6.7
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (on for Alexis 81′) – 5.9
Mikel Arteta (on for Ozil 81′) – 5.0