Watford
Costel Pantilimon – 7
The Hornets number two was given the nod in the FA Cup and produced a good performance by denying the Arsenal attackers any chances. He frustrated the home crowd and players by taking a long time in taking his goal-kicks and was shown a yellow in the first half itself for time-wasting. He did well not to earn a second yellow in the second half. But he could have done better with Danny Welbeck’s goal as he got a hand onto it.
Allan Nyom – 7
Nyom was outstanding during the game. He got forward on numerous occasions and produced some wonderful crosses for his teammates. He was one of the brightest players on the pitch for the Hornets in a game where the defence could have had a bad day.
Sebastian Prodl – 7
The Austrian had a nervy first half, and could not clear the ball on occasions. But he came back well in the second half, won possession by winning the important headers against Giroud. He was solid throughout in the center of defence for the visitors.
Craig Cathcart – 7
The defender had a good game at the back, not giving away any chances to his opposition. He was strong when dealing with the likes of Giroud and Sanchez, and made an important interception to deny Giroud in the second half.
Nathan Ake – 7
The Chelsea loanee had a decent outing on a day where he left too much space behind him when going forward, but the Arsenal players could not make the most of it. He was good in the attack also, paving way for midfielders to link up.
Valon Behrami – 8
Behrami was one of the best players on the pitch for Watford but his performance was probably overshadowed by Watson’s. He kept the ball well between him and Capoue and did not allow Arsenal to break on the counter. He supported his back four well in defence.
Etienne Capoue – 7
The former Tottenham Hotspur man was on point during the game, making challenges and getting the ball away from his opponents. He shielded the back four and was solid in his performance. He had been shining since he has joined Watford.
Adlene Guidioura – 8
The midfielder had a great game in midfield. He tracked back continuously when the Hornets lost the ball and made sure he regained possession. He struck that beautiful fierce goal in the second half to double the lead for the visitors.
Ben Watson – 7
He was instrumental in Watford’s play throughout the game. He made some crucial interceptions and tracked back well. He did not let the likes of Ozil and Sanchez have much space in the park. He also provided some good crosses from set-plays.
Troy Deeney – 9
Deeney was the man of the match for Watford as he finished the game with two assists. He was again assigned the supporting role by his manager and he did well to provide Ighalo with a cherry of a ball to score the first goal.
Odion Ighalo – 8
He was the player who constantly got in behind the Arsenal defence and gave Mertesacker many problems to deal with. He scored a great goal by taking a half turn with Gabriel on his back and striking into the net past Ospina.
Substitutes
Ikechi Anya – NA
He came on for Etienne Capoue in the 73rd minute and could do very less other than defending.
Almen Abdi – NA
Abdi came on for goalscorer Guidioura in the 77th minute.
Nordin Amrabat – NA
He came on in the 82nd minute to replace Odion Ighalo as he seemed injured.
