Arsenal extend their unbeaten run as they beat 10-man Watford at the Emirates Stadium

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Emile Smith Rowe’s third goal in as many league games extends Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 10 games as they beat Watford 1-0.

The result means Watford are now only two points above the relegation zone whilst the Gunners move up to fifth going into the international break.

Smith Rowe’s goal came in the 56th minute when the ball ricocheted to him after Ben White’s quick burst towards the box. The effort from outside the box nutmegged Nicolas N’Koulou before passing Ben Foster.

Arsenal dominated the first half, retaining 71% of possession and having seven attempts at goal. Bukayo Saka thought he opened the scoring in the seventh minute after he tucked the ball away from close range but it was disallowed for offside.

The half was filled with fouls as Kevin Friend blew his whistle 15 times to award free-kicks for either team. Four yellow cards were handed out in the half but the most significant foul was committed by Danny Rose as he clattered into Alexandre Lacazette to give away a penalty.

Foster made five saves in the game and he managed to save Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty to keep Watford in the game.

The Hornets’ shot-stopper’s best save however came just before half-time as he stopped Gabriel’s header from point-blank range with the teams level at the half-time interval.

Claudio Ranieri’s side picked up the pace in the 75th minute with the introduction of Cucho Hernandez. His pace and crossing ability was the biggest threat that the Arsenal defence had faced all game.

The Hornets’ best effort came in the second half after a miscommunication between White and Aaron Ramsdale gave Josh King an open goal to aim at. However, the tight angle saw the Norwegian could only find the side-netting as Watford’s hopes were fading.

Aubameyang’s poor game in front of goal then continued as he touched Martin Odegaard’s shot towards the goal from an offside position, stopping his side from doubling their lead.

Juraj Kucka’s second yellow card in the 89th minute all but gave Arsenal the three points as his aggressive challenge on Nuno Tavares earned the Slovakian midfielder a red card.

One of the surprises of the game was the performance of Ainsley Maitland-Niles. The exclusion of Thomas Partey was a blow for the Gunners as it was revealed he picked up a groin injury.

Maitland-Niles however had a brilliant game in the middle of the park completing 85.3% of his passes and won seven of his nine duels.

Both sides face a tough fixture after the break with Watford facing Manchester United at Vicarage Road while Arsenal travel to Anfield.

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