Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead as Watford hit back to draw 2-2 in new manager Quique Sanchez Flores’s first game of his second stint in charge at Vicarage Road.
Flores’s return following the dismissal of Javi Gracia after four games of the Premier League season seemed to be going flat as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck twice in the first half.
But Tom Cleverley halved the deficit in the 53rd minute after some dreadful Arsenal carelessness and Watford were rewarded for a much-improved display when substitute Roberto Pereyra converted an 81st-minute penalty awarded after he was brought down by David Luiz.
Soccernet.ng rates Arsenal player performance against Watford.
Leno 6
Couple of good saves early on to help Arsenal nullify a solid Watford start.
Maitland-Niles 6
Caused Holebas no ends of problems with his runs down the wing. Defensively improving too.
Sokratis 4
Horrendous error for Watford’s goal. Complete lack of awareness and paid the price.
Luiz 5
Disciplined showing and looked like a leader… until he fell into old habits and gave away a clumsy penalty.
Kolasinac 6
Anticipated Hughes losing the ball and played the perfect pass for Aubameyang’s opener.
Xhaka 6
Looked the most assured player in Arsenal’s midfield but could not add the tenacity the midfielder required.
Guendouzi 4
Nervy moments as he tried to overplay and very nearly cost Arsenal a couple of times when they had their two-goal advantage.
Ceballos 5
Not the most spectacular performance with no real spark but still looks a useful addition to the Arsenal front line.
Ozil 7
Took half an hour to find his feet but became a class act on the ball. Great pass led to Arsenal’s second.
Pepe 6
Struggled to make an impact on Arsenal’s attack but showed glimmers of his potential.
Aubameyang 7
Classy turn and finish for the first goal, Johnny-on-the-spot for the second. Went off the boil second half.
Subs
Willock (for Ceballos 60), 5: Had little to contribute.
Torreira (for Guendouzi 67), 5: Could not influence the game
Nelson (for Ozil 71), 6: Had little to contribute.
