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: It’s time to find out if Manchester United are good, bad or broken
It is coming up to three months since Ralf Rangnick’s first game in charge of Manchester United and if you feel things could have gone better, the bad news is that was the easy part. This upcoming run of fixtures, between Sunday’s Manchester derby and the end of April, is far more difficult.
At least when you look at the league table, United are where they want to be, or where they can best hope to finish. Fourth place is not the “ultimate objective”, as football director John Murtough was at pains to point out at last week’s fans’ forum, but it is the ceiling on their aspirations this season.
There is reason to believe that they could stay there, meet the minimum expectation and qualify for the Champions League. Results have not been quite as bad as the general perception would suggest. United have only lost one of their 13 league games under Rangnick. They are no longer in the tailspin of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s final weeks in charge.
It’s time to find out if Manchester United are good, bad or broken
United have one of the toughest run-ins in the top flight, starting with an Etihad derby
China to suspend Premier League coverage to avoid broadcasting show of solidarity with Ukraine
China is suspending its coverage of the Premier League this weekend to avoid broadcasting the clubs’ show of solidarity with Ukraine.
The Premier League is planning to show its support for the Ukrainian people over Russia’s devastating invasion of the country, with club captains due to wear armbands in the national colours of yellow and blue across all 10 games. There will also be a moment of silence before kick-off at each ground, while messages of support will appear on advertising boards and on screens in stadiums. The official Premier League logo has also been altered to reflect the Ukrainian flag.
China to block broadcast of Premier League clubs’ support for Ukraine
The Premier League is planning to show its solidarity for the Ukrainian people following Russia’s invasion with yellow and blue captains’ armbands and messages of support around grounds this weekend
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
A goal and an assist for this man so far gives Arsenal the lead at half-time.
Half-time: Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
45+2 mins: A fascinating first half comes to an end at Vicarage Road with Arsenal taking a one goal lead into the break. Martin Odegaard opened the scoring after Emmanuel Dennis had a goal ruled out for offside. Cucho Hernandez equalised for the home team before a cool finish from Bukayo Saka put the Gunners back in front.
Will we see more goals in the second half?
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
45 mins: Watford defend the corner well enough but Arsenal recover the ball quickly again. The visitors are taking full control of the game now after Watford’s bright start. Two added minutes to play before the break.
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
42 mins: Close! Kieran Tierney brings the ball down the left wing and passes it up to Granit Xhaka. He flicks the ball inside to Thomas Partey who threads a pass into the box for Gabriel Martinelli. Martinelli opens up half a yard and shoots but Craig Cathcart is there to block the ball behind for a corner.
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
39 mins: Louza is definitely pumped up out there. Partey fires a pass into Xhaka who can’t bring the ball under control. It comes loose to Louza who is challenged almost immediately by Xhaka and fouled in the middle of the pitch. He gives the Arsenal man and heavy shove to move him away from the ball so that Watford can take a quick free kick.
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
36 mins: Imran Louza fouls Alexandre Lacazette and gives the Arsenal captain a few verbals for going to ground. A sign of frustration from the Watford players perhaps?
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
33 mins: Two shots on target from Arsenal, two goals scored. They’ve been clinical today and that’s why they’re in front. Watford have shown that they’ve got something about them today though and they won’t think they’re out of this game just yet.
GOAL! Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal (Saka, 30’)⚽️
30 mins: Beautiful goal! Bukayo Saka nicks the ball off Tom Cleverly deep in Watford’s half and passes it up to Alexandre Lacazette in the box. The Arsenal forward lays it off with a backheel flick and Saka runs onto the ball and laces it into the back of the net! Great goal from the Gunners.
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