Watford 2-3 Arsenal: Arteta singles out two Gunners for praise

The Arsenal manager was delighted by his side’s attacking performance against the Hornets.

Arsenal defeated Watford 3-2 in their Premier League game on Sunday. A crucial victory for the Gunners sent them to fourth place on the table as they leapfrogged Manchester United.

An early opener from Martin Odegaard saw Watford come back with a quick equalizer in the 11th minute. The Gunners kept the pressure on Watford’s backline while the hosts still managed to make several counter-attacks.

Mikel Arteta’s side went ahead again through Bukayo Saka in the 30th minute. Gabriel Martinelli then doubled his side’s lead in the 52nd minute.

Watford pushed hard to get back into the game after Arsenal’s third goal. They managed to get one back through Moussa Sissoko two minutes before the full-time whistle. However, it was too late to prevent Arsenal from winning.

In a post-match interview, Arteta praised Saka for bouncing back from his heartbreaking moment in the Euro 2020 final.

“Bukayo had an experience in the summer that not a lot of players would ever have,” the Arsenal boss said.

“I think it was great for his career, because the football world showed how much they like him and how much they respect him,

“I think that was a big boost for him to realize in difficult moments that people are going to give him support. Then it’s about leaving him that space [to develop]. What he is already doing is phenomenal and he needs that room, you know? Don’t read too much, do what you do.”

Asked about the link-up between Saka and Odegaard, the Spaniard added: “We were really good going forward, and we had all the right intention and the energy to do it.

“We scored three magnificent goals. But, we didn’t have the same energy and commitment defensively. When that happens, you’re going to suffer.”

Arsenal will now prepare to face Leicester City in a Premier League game next Sunday. Given their recent form, Arsenal are expectedly the bookies’ favourites to win the upcoming fixture.