Premier League player ratings [Arsenal]: Arsenal 3-0 Watford

Arsenal ended a three-match losing streak in the Premier League as they beat Watford by a 3-0 scoreline at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Shkodran Mustafi opened the scoring with a brilliant header off a Mesut Ozil set-piece in the 8th minute, and the Gunners should have extended the lead further during the first-half  with clear-cut chances for both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ozil.
In the second period, Watford started off with the better tenacity, but a delightful through-ball from Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the 59th minute allowed Aubameyang to double the scores.
From then, Petr Cech managed to make his maiden penalty save for Arsenal to deny Troy Deeney from 12 yards, and thereafter, there was a role reversal with Aubameyang assisting Mkhitaryan’s goal, 13 minutes from time.
Player Ratings:
Petr Cech: The 35-year-old managed to clinch his 200th Premier League clean sheet after a 11-match wait, but he had to work for it. Cech made a key penalty save off Deeney when the Gunners were leading 2-0 – 8/10
Shkodran Mustafi: One of the German’s best performances of the season. Mustafi managed to restrain Deeney’s movement with a number of key interventions during the game. Was substituted during the backend of the match with a minor groin strain – 7.5/10
Rob Holding: The Englishman was brought on to partner Mustafi, with Koscielny offered a much-needed rest. Looked far more secure than the Ostersund defeat, and took command at the back after Mustafi was substituted – 7/10
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: The Gunners graduate played at right-back for the first time this term, and he managed to frustrate Richarlison throughout the game. Conceded a penalty with a needless challenge, but should learn with more playing time – 7/10
Sead Kolasinac: A much-disciplined showing from Bosnian, who was initially deemed doubtful for the encounter. Made a number of runs towards the opposition box, but could not find the final ball – 6.5/10
Granit Xhaka: Has been better with his positioning in recent games, and he managed to make a crucial headed intervention near his own box during the second-half. Fans will expect more of the same from him versus Milan – 7/10
Mohamed Elneny: Normally a holding midfielder by trade, the Egypt international found himself further up the field on a number of occasions. Kept it tidy with his passing whilst eliminating the threat from Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7.5/10
Alex Iwobi: Impressed with his hold-up play during the game, but was disappointing with his crossing once more. Could have played through Aubameyang on two separate occasions, but failed to find the final delivery – 6.5/10
Mesut Ozil: Another masterclass from the German who became the quickest to 50 clean sheets in the Premier League. The World Cup winner provided a delightful set-piece delivery for Mustafi’s opener, and was influential in linking up with Mkhitaryan – 8/10
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Was guilty of losing possession on a few occasions in his own half, but impressed as the game went on. The Armenian bagged a goal and assist for himself, and showed his understanding with close-mate Aubameyang – 8.5/10
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Missed a glorious opportunity during the first 10 minutes of the game, but continued to make his runs behind the defence. Eventually scored off a Mkhitaryan through-ball, and assisted his ex-Dortmund teammate for the third – 8/10
Substitutes:
Calum Chambers, Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck
 

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