How Arsenal Squandered a 2-0 Lead Against Watford
In a thrilling Premier League encounter, Arsenal threw away a commanding 2-0 lead against Watford, settling for a 2-2 draw in Quique Sanchez Flores’ first game back in charge. The match was a tale of two halves, with Arsenal’s defensive frailties once again under the spotlight.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s clinical finishing gave the Gunners a comfortable lead, but Watford’s relentless pressure and Arsenal’s self-inflicted errors turned the game on its head. This analysis by Crickex breaks down the key moments, tactical shifts, and what this result means for both teams moving forward.
First-Half Dominance vs. Second-Half Disaster
Arsenal’s Early Control
Arsenal started brightly, with Aubameyang scoring twice in the first half. His first goal came after a swift counterattack, where Watford’s appeals for a foul were ignored. VAR briefly checked the incident but allowed the goal to stand. The Gabonese striker doubled the lead with a simple tap-in after a well-worked team move involving Mesut Özil and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
At halftime, Arsenal looked in complete control, but Unai Emery’s warning to his players—that a 2-0 lead was not secure—proved prophetic.
Watford’s Relentless Comeback
The second half was a different story. Watford, energized by Sanchez Flores’ halftime adjustments, pressed higher and forced Arsenal into mistakes. Tom Cleverley capitalized on a poor pass from Sokratis to pull one back, and David Luiz’s clumsy challenge on Roberto Pereyra gifted Watford a penalty, which Pereyra converted coolly.
Watford could have won it late, with Gerard Deulofeu and Abdoulaye Doucouré missing golden chances. The Hornets registered 31 shots—the most Arsenal have faced in a Premier League game since Opta began recording such data in 2003/04.
Deulofeu was a constant threat, exploiting Arsenal’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Tactical Breakdown: Where Did It Go Wrong for Arsenal?
Defensive Errors Haunt the Gunners
Arsenal’s insistence on playing out from the back proved costly. Sokratis’ misplaced pass led to Cleverley’s goal, while Luiz’s rash challenge handed Watford a lifeline. Since the start of last season, Arsenal have committed 14 errors leading to goals—the most in the Premier League.
Watford’s Midfield Dominance
Sanchez Flores’ decision to deploy Étienne Capoue as a deep-lying midfielder disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm. Cleverley and Deulofeu exploited the spaces between Arsenal’s midfield and defense, with the latter delivering his best performance in months.
Manager Reactions
Unai Emery (Arsenal):
“We controlled the first half but made too many mistakes in the second. We must learn from this.”
Quique Sanchez Flores (Watford):
“The players showed great character. This point gives us confidence for the future.”
Expert Analysis: Souness Slams Arsenal’s “Semi-Pro” Display
Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness didn’t hold back, comparing Arsenal’s second-half performance to a “semi-professional team.” He criticized their lack of composure and inability to learn from mistakes.
Key Opta Stats
- Arsenal have conceded 10 penalties since last season—joint-most in the Premier League.
- Watford avoided defeat after trailing by 2+ goals for the first time since January 2018.
- 31 shots faced by Arsenal—a record in the Premier League era.
What’s Next?
Arsenal face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League before hosting Aston Villa. Watford, meanwhile, travel to Manchester City—a daunting task, but their newfound belief could make them dangerous.
For more in-depth football analysis, stay tuned to Crickex—your go-to source for tactical breakdowns and expert insights.
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