Watford vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Latest updates and action from the Premier League clash at Vicarage Road
Arsenal climbed back into the Premier League top four as goals from Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli helped them to a lively 3-2 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.
It was a victory more convincing for the Gunners than the scoreline suggests, as their young attacking players shone to punish a Hornets side that, to their credit, fought gamely until the end.
Emmanuel Dennis had the ball in the net after just 17 seconds but it was ruled out for offside, although a stunning finish from Cucho Hernandez cancelled out Odegaard’s opener and Moussa Sissoko set up a grandstand finish when he reduced the deficit to 3-2 with only a few minutes remaining.
But a draw would have more than the Hornets deserved and their battle against relegation from the Premier League is looking like an increasingly uphill battle.
For their part, the Gunners have their top-four destiny in their own hands and three sublime finishes from Odegaard, Saka and Martinelli – all of whom should have big futures at the Emirates – demonstrated the quality Mikel Arteta can call on as the season reaches the business end.
Relive the Premier League action of Arsenal versus Watford below:
Man City vs Man Utd: Line-ups and changes
Man City make three changes for the derby. Kyle Walker comes in to the defence in place of Ruben Dias meaning John Stones will switch into the middle from right-back. Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez come into the attack, with Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan dropping to the bench.
For Man Utd, Harry Maguire returns to partner Victor Lindelof in the absence of Raphael Varane who misses out with Covid. Jadon Sancho comes in to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, which could mean Bruno Fernandes or Anthony Elanga as a false nine.
Scott McTominay also returns to midfield in place of Nemanja Matic.
Here’s a reminder of the two line-ups:
Man City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Joao Cancelo, De Bruyne, Rodri, Grealish, Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, Foden.
Man Utd: de Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Alex Telles, McTominay, Fred, Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Pogba, Elanga.
Watford 2 - 3 Arsenal
Watford threatened a comeback right at the end of the game but Arsenal had enough game management to close out their win. That’s four wins in a row now for Mikel Arteta’s men who move ahead of Manchester United to take fourth place... for now.
Next up is the Manchester derby. Can United beat City and recover their place in the top four?
Full-time: Watford 2 - 3 Arsenal
90+6 mins: Arsenal hold on! They pick up three points and move into the top four!
Watford 2 - 3 Arsenal
90+2 mins: Cedric Soares goes down with a knock and takes a few seconds out of the game. Arsenal work the ball up to Nketiah who passes it to Saka. Saka tries to move the ball into the corner but runs into trouble and Watford win back possession.
Watford 2 - 3 Arsenal
90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play! Plenty of time for some late drama, can Watford earn themselves a point?
GOAL! Watford 2 - 3 Arsenal (Sissoko, 87’)⚽️
87 mins: Game on! Cucho Hernandez swings a forward pass into the box where Moussa Sissoko chests the ball down and drags it inside of Ben White who is left scrambling out of position. Sissoko takes a glance at goal, spots Aaron Ramsdale’s position and guides his effort into the opposite side of the net, sending the ball over line off the inside of the far post!
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
84 mins: Cucho Hernandez has a rare chance to create something for Watford as the ball comes into the box to him. He’s caught in two minds how to shoot and Kieran Tierney comes across to dispossess him.
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
81 mins: Off the post! Eddie Nketiah comes on the replace Alexandre Lacazette and almost makes an immediate impact as Arsenal burst forward on the counter. Martin Odegaard brings the ball up the pitch and slides it into the right side of the box. Nketiah pops up to take over and slots a low towards the gap at the near post. Ben Foster can’t get there and the ball hits the outside of the upright and bounces clear.
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
78 mins: Thomas Partey floats a lovely pass into the right side of the box that Nicolas Pepe brings under control. He tries to cut onto his left-foot for a shy at goal but Hassane Kamara nips in and takes the ball off him.
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
75 mins: Into the last 15 minutes at Vicarage Road. Nicolas Pepe is on for Arsenal having replaced Gabriel Martinelli.
The big news from the Etihad stadium is that Manchester United are without Edinson Cavani, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo for their derby game versus Man City later on.
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