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Arsenal are back to winning ways in the Premier League after a hard-fought 3-0 win over London neighbours Watford. Goals from Shkodran Mustafi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan presented manager Arsene Wenger a port in what has otherwise been rough waters this past couple of days.
Watford put on a good fight - as they often do against Arsenal - and even had a penalty which was saved by Petr Cech but failed otherwise to register an honest attempt at goal.
Here's what we learnt from the Emirates:
Arsenal fielded the more solid midfield - despite Watford's literal heavyweights
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Etienne Capoue have been quite the challenge for most Premier League sides this season with their athletism and drive but Arsenals's more passing-centric midfielder combination in Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny came out on top.
While they each made their share of mistakes this game, their passing was on point and often rescued the Gunners when under pressure.
Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere didn't start but it didn't seem to be a problem for Arsene Wenger's men.
Troy Deeney and Richarlison lacked 'cojones'
When Arsenal faced Watford earlier this season, the game was heavily one-sided in favour of the then-home team and the Watford captain, Troy Deeney, claimed winning against Arsenal was easy simply because his side could 'bully' them while also claiming that the Gunners lacked 'cojones' to put up a fight.
Fast forward to today and things couldn't have been more contradictory. The English striker lost 12 of his 21 duels to Shkodran Mustafi - and Calum Chambers who came on late in the second half - and has a pass percentage of only 55% for the whole ninety minutes.
Richarlison, on the other hand, had a much better game but tried to cheat the referee again tonight going down on occasions but Martin Atkinson was having none of it.
Deeney's been labelled a 'bully' by many vocal supporters but judging by Mustafi's performance today - and the goal he scored for Arsenal - it seems like Deeney was the one being bullied.
The Dortmund duo are finally coming into their own
Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyand and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have been questioned by many this season for not helping this Arsenal side get out of their slump.
However, if today's performance is anything to go by, the former Dortmund duo are showing signs of finally being able to perform like they did in Germany.
A goal and assist each for both of them today helped Arsenal get back to winning ways. The Gabon man's runs in the channels and the Armenian's passing and movement were on point and a delight to watch.
Orestis Karnezis deserved a better defence today
The Greek goalkeeper who's keeping out Watford regular Huerelho Gomes shone at the Emirates despite letting in three goals.
His reaction-saves to deny Aubayemang and Ozil early in the game were a testament to his quality while the three goals he let in were more because of his defence not doing a better job than on him.
He was one of the few Watford players who actually had a big positive impact on a game they'd imagine they could win.
The Emirates can't be a ghost town for Thursday
...at least not if Arsenal play like they did at times today. The lack of a full attendance at the Emirates today was noticeable as it did against Manchester City last time.
But the Gunners have a 2-0 lead in the Europa League pre-quarters and come Thursday when the Italian team visit the Emirates, it's unlikely that the Gunners faithful will continue their sit-out.
While the motive for their actions are justifiable, the fans will no doubt recognise a genuine challenge in the Europa League especially since they got a crucial win in Italy against an opposition they seemingly had no chance of beating.
