Arsenal 2-0 Watford: 5 Talking Points, Premier League 2018/19

Arsenal continued their upturn in fortunes in the league, as they beat Watford 2-0 at the Emirates on Saturday. The game appeared to be heading for a stalemate before two quickfire goals handed Unai Emery his seventh consecutive win in all competitions.

But the win was not straightforward, as Watford threatened considerably. Both sides had chances, and neither failed to capitalise till late in the game. The scoring was opened by virtue of an own goal by Craig Cathcart, and Mesut Ozil scored two minutes later to seal the three points.

Let us take a look at the major talking points from the game.

#5 Arsenal dull and narrow in the first half

Aubameyang failed to impact the game

Arsenal failed to deliver in the first half, and it appeared to be a tactical issue. The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were dropping too deep, and the midfield area was becoming congested. Aubameyang has just 10 touches in the first half.

No one was stretching the Watford defence by making runs in behind their defence, which made the job easy for them. The full-backs also weren't getting much joy either.

Alex Iwobi's introduction on the hour mark changed the game. The Nigerian constantly looked to run in the channels, and the first goal came when he went behind left-back Jose Holebas.

Iwobi contributed to the second goal as well, and Aaron Ramsey's place in the squad doesn't look as secure now.

#4 Watford will feel hard done by the result

Leno saves from Deeney's effort

The manner of the defeat was cruel on Watford and they would certainly feel that they deserved to take more from the game.

They managed to limit Arsenal's attack for the majority of the game and had chances of their own as well. Troy Deeney had a great opportunity from a set-piece and Leno saved magnificently. Isaac Success had the best chance, racing through only to see his chip miss the target.

Lapses in concentration allowed Arsenal to grab two quick goals and that was that. On another day, Watford could have taken a point, but that was not to be on Saturday.

#3 Emery's philosophy setting in

Emery has had a great September

Unai Emery's reign in North London got off to the worst possible start, as the Gunners lost their first two games which highlighted many problems in their setup.

But they have turned a corner since then, and Saturday's result was their seventh consecutive win in all competitions. Emery seems to have found his preferred eleven, and they have done the job for him each time.

The defensive issues do remain, however, but they have lessened considerably. Alexandre Lacazette's introduction to the starting lineup has improved their attack considerably, and the Frenchman has started the season bang in form.

Emery's project at the Emirates was always going to be a long-term one, but the early signs look to be promising.

#2 Gracia should see to it that the slump is temporary

Gracia has seen his team slump recently

Watford had a sensational start to the season, as they won their opening four games and Vicarage Road was buzzing.

But they have faltered in recent matches, and have picked up only one point in their last four games. Obviously, the early form is impossible to maintain, but this sudden drop should concern Javi Gracia.

The Hornets' finishing was suspect against Arsenal, and it was a similar case against Fulham. A little more composure in front of goal and the result could have been altered in both games.

The upcoming fixtures for Watford look appetising, and they present the perfect opportunity for Gracia to get back to winning ways.

#1 Leno to take the mantle on from Cech?

Leno made his league debut against Watford

Petr Cech pulled his hamstring before half-time while taking a goal-kick, and he was duly replaced by Bernd Leno. This change could be seen in the bigger scheme of things as well.

Cech's ability with his hands is still pretty good, as was seen against Everton last week. His experience and knowledge of the English game have seen him starting ahead of Leno, but the German was signed for a reason.

Cech's skills with his feet are not up to the mark, and that does not bode well for Emery's philosophy. He needs a ball-playing man between the sticks, and Leno certainly fits the bill. Furthermore, the former Leverkusen man is a good shot-stopper as well, and he made a couple of great saves against Watford.

Also, Leno is ten years Cech's junior, and he could keep goal at Emirates for a long time. This is his opportunity to cement the place, and he should grab it with both hands and feet.