Bukayo Saka scored one goal and set up another as Arsenal moved up to fourth in the Premier League table with a thrilling 3-2 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.
2021/2022 Premier League
2-3
Match Report
Martin Odegaard opened the scoring with the first of three beautifully-worked Arsenal goals when he slid a low finish past Ben Foster after exchanging passes with Saka in the early stages (5).
Watford responded well, with Cucho Hernandez netting the pick of the afternoon's goals when he slammed home a stunning overhead kick from Kiko Femenia's right-wing cross (11).
But the Gunners seized control of the game, and the top-four race, when the outstanding Saka won possession high up the pitch and found Alexandre Lacazette, who backheeled the ball back into his path, allowing him to lift a powerful finish high into the net from just inside the Watford box (30).
Arsenal extended their lead shortly after half-time when Gabriel Martinelli rifled home from outside the box following a classy move involving Cedric Soares, Odegaard and Lacazette (52).
But Watford continued to threaten, and after substitute Eddie Nketiah had hit the post for Arsenal, Moussa Sissoko pulled a goal back (87) with an angled finish to set up a nervy finale for the travelling fans.
The Gunners survived five minutes of stoppage time, however, to claim their eighth Premier League victory in their last 10 games, moving them into the Champions League places at the expense of Manchester United, who face Manchester City, live on Sky Sports Premier League, in Sunday's later game.
Watford, meanwhile, remain in 19th place, their relegation fears intensified by a fourth Premier League defeat in seven games under Roy Hodgson.
What next?
Watford travel to Wolves on Thursday in the Premier League (7.30pm) while Arsenal play next Sunday, live on Super Sunday, against Leicester City (4.30pm).
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
1' OFFSIDE! Dennis' goal disallowed
4' GOAL! Watford 0-1 Arsenal (Martin Odegaard)
10' GOAL! Watford 1-1 Arsenal (Hernandez)
18' CHANCE! Partey's long shot wide out
29' GOAL! Watford 1-2 Arsenal (Saka)
51' GOAL! Watford 1-3 Arsenal (Martinelli)
86' GOAL! Watford 2-3 Arsenal (Sissoko)
Line-ups
Watford XI: Foster, Sissoko, Cathcart, Femenia, Cleverley, Hassane Kamara, Samir, J. Hernández, Bonaventure, I. Louza, João Pedro
Subs: J. Kucka, Kabasele, Bachmann, Masina, K. Sema, O. Etebo, F. Sierralta, S. Kalu, E. Kayembe
Arsenal XI: Lacazette, Xhaka, Cedric, Partey, Tierney, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel, Ramsdale, B. White, Martinelli, Saka
Subs: Leno, M.Elneny, Pepe, Holding, Nketiah, A. Lokonga, Nuno Tavares, Z. Swanson, O. Hutchinson