Premier League 2017/18: Watford 2-1 Arsenal, Player Ratings

Arsenal

Per Mertesacker opened the scoring for Arsenal

Petr Cech - 5/10

12 times he's faced penalties wearing an Arsenal kit and 12 times he's seen them fly by him into the back of the net. The 35-year-old may not decide to call it quits this year but his contribution to Arsenal's loss today was telling. Needs to be quicker and sharper in his decision making. Not his usual self.

Nacho Monreal - 5/10

One of Arsenal's better performers this season didn't have the best of games today. Lost ten duels to Watford players and was constantly left to resorting to desperate attempts to win the ball back for his side. Needs to up his game after tonight's show.

Per Mertesacker - 8/10

His first goal in almost four years of Premier League football wasn't the only thing that impressed Arsenal fans of his play today. He led the line well, constantly exploiting his solid relationship with Laurent Koscielny and couldn't do much to prevent Watford's winner thanks to a falling Cech. But did well otherwise and has shown that he isn't out of the game just yet.

Laurent Koscielny - 7/10

A genuinely Laurent Koscielny-esque performance today from the Frenchman. He was solid, he was sharp and he won 66% of his tackles for Arsenal. As is the case in recent history, Arsenal conceded a goal after Koscielny hobbled off. Damn you, Bayern.

Sead Kolasinac - 6/10

Given his run in the side so far, it was an oddly poor performance for the former Schalke man, Sead Kolasinac. The Bosnian never settled like he usually does and even though he won the majority of his duels and tackles, he didn't contribute enough to the attack for his side to control the game.

Granit Xhaka - 7/5/10

Back to his fluent best with the ball at his feet, Granit Xhaka enjoyed Watford's rather weak midfield passing the ball around the pitch with ease. The assist for Per Mertesacker's header was incredibly precise and he needs to stay on the upward curve for him to stay in the team.

Mohamed Elneny - 7/10

The best passer in the game today, Mohamed Elneny, was safe with his passes and created one big chance his side failed to capitalise on. The Egyptian is still a bit of a puzzle but Arsene Wenger seems to like him. Was brushed off the ball too easily and strayed forward too often.

Hector Bellerin - 6/10

A roller-coaster of a performance for young Hector Bellerin today. He produced a fine tackle in the 28th minute to stop Richarlison from shooting but then gave away a penalty to the same player late in the second half. Was solid otherwise and contributed well to Arsenal's attacks.

Danny Welbeck - 6.5/10

Another hard working performance complemented the often paired injury. Danny Welbeck will be an asset for Arsenal should he stay fit for a long period of time but these injuries seem to be recurring too often for him to be considered a better player. However, his 90% accuracy rate today and his runs into the box means he'll be missed for the duration of his time out.

Alex Iwobi - 6.5/10

With Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere all not starting, all the creative burden fell on the young Nigerian and for the most part, he did alright creating one big chance and supplying one key pass. Needs to work on his ball control for he was dispossessed too often trying to get fancy.

Alexander Lacazette - 7/10

The Frenchman had a decent game even though he was isolated for the most part trying to create a chance for himself but a flick and a run in the second half, and then setting up Danny Welbeck with a clever lob showed exactly what Arsene Wenger saw in him. He's got style, he's got the skills but he needs the team around him to help him out.

Substitutes

Mesut Ozil - 6/10

Yes, he got brushed aside often and didn't defend enough before Watford's penalty was awarded but that really isn't the German's game. He had two key passes even though he only played for half an hour and he created one big chance for his side to tuck away. Missed a sitter against Gomes having been put through by Iwobi, however.

Olivier Giroud- 6/10

He came on in the 68th minute and didn't do much for his share of being the striker. Was mobbed by defenders soon after coming on and was left to do too much on his own.

Rob Holding - NA

Can't really rate Rob Holding for his performance tonight because he played only a couple of minutes towards the end of the game. Did get two clearances and one successful tackle to show for his efforts.