After a positive start, a mistake from Ben Foster and a Troy Deeney red card in just over a minute and a half handed Arsenal three points on a frustrating night for The Hornets.
After Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang charged down Foster’s lethargic clearance, Deeney was sent off for elbowing Lucas Torreira.
Although Watford had to play 80 minutes for with ten men, it was Javi Gracia’s men who took the game to their North London visitors and Gunners keeper Bernd Leno had to be at his best to deny Watford an equaliser.
The German denied Cathcart and Etienne Capoue in the first half while Ainsley Maitland-Niles was on hand to clear off the line from Andre Gray late on after the Hornets striker rounded Leno.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Watford never gave up. The Hornets visit Huddersfield next as they look to pick themselves up from this defeat.
Speaking to Sky after the game, Foster apologised to the fans.
He commented: “I’m gutted for the lads. They were brilliant. I thought we were the better team, really pushing for it and Arsenal were happy to hit us on the counter-attack. I’ve said sorry to the lads. I think I should have just Cruyff-ed him to be honest, but it’s not my style.”
“Daryl played the ball back to me. I wanted to drag it onto my left and then hit it out wide, but before I know it he’s bloody on to me. God, he’s fast. Fair play to him, he’s absolutely rapid. I’ve got to do it a bit quicker, you’ve got to just get rid as soon as you can. It’s not the time to muck about. I’m definitely not a modern goalie. I’m happy to put it in row Z. I just thought I had a bit more time than I did.”
Picture courtesy of Watford FC
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