A well deserved 3 points even if we made the last 5 minutes more hectic than needed. We were clearly playing at a different level from them – and a level superior to that of our recent history. That this team has evolved is unquestionable. And now we have goals coming from different players.
Watford did not deserve anything but then they never do. They are destined for the Championship where they belong. Though after 17 seconds it was not that obvious. Hesitation by first Cedric and then Gabriel was worrying and thankfully the linesman made the right call. But thereafter, we took over and dominated. Watford sank into a low block while a combination of Saka and Odegaard ran the game.
Odegaard today was particularly impressive. Pulling the strings mainly on the right but drifting across the field. The link up play with Saka was on a different level. The first goal was a thing of beauty but beyond that the two of them – with noticeable contributions from our friend Cedric – sliced Watford apart and operated at a different level. The smoothness of their interplay and their understanding meant that nearly all our pressure came down our right hand side.
On the left Martinelli was not at the races today. The partnership with Tierney is not at that same level and Xhaka, playing higher up the field again, was not able to guide our play and his influence was not equivalent to Odegaard on the right. And on the defensive side, in particularly in the first half, we looked vulnerable down our left side. Martinelli did not seem to track back as energetically and enthusiastically as normal. For their first goal, as well as it was taken by cheating Hernandez, Xhaka did not pick up the overlap. And let’s not forget the rolling on the ground and faking a head injury by Hernandez in the second half when White out-jumped him to head back to Ramsdale. He clearly thought we was auditioning for the Olympics. After losing the duel Whites arm grazed his shoulder but he managed to crumple to the ground and then roll 5 times clutching his face in agony. The real-plays showed there was no contact on his face – not that the commentators mentioned that. I despise this cheating. It’s all to prevalent now in the EPL. Trying to get the other player sent off and the fake head injuries which compels the referee to stop the game. A sensible rule that’s introduced to protect the players is not being manipulated to either break up play and/or get an opponent sent off. The best laid plans are paved with good intentions. And here we see the unintended consequences. But just remember that Hernandez is an acrobatic, talented cheat.
When Xhaka was playing deeper alongside Partey he used to track these runs better. Watford continued to try long cross-field passes over Tierney. And too often he was left exposed. Though it’s funny how Tierney noticeably refused to head the ball back to Ramsdale. Maybe he’s risk averse but each time he headed it back up field it would go to one of their players. So, ironically, even with Cedric on the right we were more at risk on our left.
Cedric was reassuringly solid today. Aside, that is, that moment late in the second half when, just outside our box, he decided to pass the ball backwards to their player. A decent team would have scored but thankfully White was there to block their shot. We need Tommy back but, to Cedric’s credit he was not at fault for their goals today. Unfortunately, we need to look at our friend Xhaka. In particular their second goal started with his unnecessary and flamboyant cross field pass that went straight to their player. Then as he tried to track Sissoko, he could not quite intercept the pass. And then White should have been able to dispossess Sissoko. Maybe when ESR recovers from COVID he could take Xhaka’s spot. Or, at worst, Martinelli. But we’ll need to fix this imbalance on the left soon.
We have become a right-sided team. And that’s not such a bad thing. The fluency and creativity we saw today was at a level that was reminiscent of elements of Man City. And that speaks again to our progress. In addition to the excellence of Saka and Odegaard, there was the purring engine of Partey. What a difference, for him, when he’s the only defensive midfield player in a 4 – 3 – 3. I know Watford are useless shits, but nonetheless, Partey was yet again imperious in how he strolled around the pitch. There was even a shot from him in the first half that was reasonably close to the goal. He has established himself as the backbone of the team now; the platform from which we spring forward.
Behind him Gabriel had a shaky day. His distribution was uncertain and indecisive – by his prior standards. And behind him Ramsdale had a couple of poor passes that put us at risk. Though one of Ramsdale passes to Saka was a thing of beauty – as was Saka’s control. Going back to Saka – and who can’t – he was so dominate today. He was aggressive, direct and demonstrated ridiculous ball control. Watford really could not get close to him. And, thankfully, unlike a West Ham type defense, they did not try to hack pieces out of him.
In fact, this was not such a great day for our Brazilians today. Martinelli – aside from his sumptuous goal to create the needed breathing space – was ineffectual. Between the two of them they seemed off the pace today. Hopefully after Gabriels aberration against Wolves this will be a wake up call.
Did I mentioned how impressive Saka was today. This was the best overall performance I’ve ever seen from him; this was his best game ever for us. From beginning to end he shone brightly. He contributed in so many obvious and not obvious ways. From setting up the first goal to scoring the second and then releasing Cedric for the third. Though technically Arteta should also get an assist as the ball boy. I’m sure though that the FA, UEFA and FIFA will launch an inquiry into how Arteta could have roamed so far outside of his designated touchline area. The collective wisdom, intellect and general open-mindness of these great organizations will have to investigate how the referee and VAR did not capture this egregious violation of this little white box. I think it would only be fair if points were deducted along with the removal of various body parts.
It’s just a shame that Cigarette can’t shoot – or head. Now I know this might seem like rudimentary requirements for a striker but evidentially we’ve found a way to compensate for this minor deficit in his skill set. So, if we ignore the couple of chances he completely fluffed it would be only fair to note his link up play for both Saka and Martinelli’s goals. In both instances he provided the perfect passes for them. This is not something our prior Captain could have managed. So, while we might miss the goals he’s now seemingly discovered in Barcelona, the reality is that Cigarette actually fits our style of play. He drops off and links up play. It’s just a shame he can’t score goals.
Let’s go back to that third goal. That was as close as I’ve seen us come to a Liverpool type goal. Immediate, one-touch interchange culminating with Martinelli crashing it home. That was slick and impressive. This, along with other moments – let alone that first goal – yet again demonstrated the progress of this team. There was a calmness that permeated our game. Sure, the last 5 minutes were a little nerve wracking but overall we were in complete control playing smooth, controlled football. I’m not convinced that we’ll end up 4th at the end of the season – and certainly not third – but, irrespective, you can see the growth. You can see the progression. There should be little doubt now that Arteta is the man for this job – the right man. The man to take this club forward. I’ve had one of two doubts after one of two games this season. But in the last month we have continued to build on our team philosophy and develop a style of play that suits our club and the players we have. I fear for suspensions or injuries to Partey or Saka. We don’t have the squad depth to sustain a long-term challenge for the title. We are no-where near the standard of Liverpool or City. But then they have a 5 year plus head-start and ‘000s of millions of dollars invested in their teams.
Now we’re down to a limited number of games. Unfortunately – or fortunately – these involve games against all the teams around us. There is plenty of opportunity for us to implode – for the referees to send of Xhaka etc – but the converse is that, with our games in hand, we can also help derail their efforts to overtake us. We don’t always have to beat them we just can’t lose to them. I exclude the Liverpool game from this. They will beat us. I would just like us to finish that game with all of our players on the pitch. But the games again United, West Ham, Chelski and that other lot – now that’s all going to be the decider for our season. But, we’re now in the right position today – 4th. And after performances like this today where we dominated and played great football should give us some confidence. But we’re a young team and we are still learning.
Today was another anxiety free performance. How I’ve missed these days. Goal opportunities being created out of our fluent football. And domination of a sub-standard team. And then to see Maguire allow City to further impact their challenge for 4th. Let’s just hope he’s not injured for our game. We need him and his ugly mug in that team. To leave you with an unpleasant picture. Imagine if the Kane and Maguire could find have way to have a child. The combination of the nose and the chine. Imagine how ugly that baby would be. Excuse me while I throw up.
-LB7