Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended
6 years ago

Arsenal vs Watford - as it happened: Latest score, goals and updates from the Emirates and around the Premier League

All the latest from the Saturday 3pm kick-offs

Jack Watson
Saturday 29 September 2018 10:35 EDT
0Comments
Arsenal v Watford Premier League match preview

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Unai Emery’s Arsenal will look to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven games when they welcome London rivals Watford to the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners began their EFL Cup campaign with a hard-earned 3-1 victory over Brentford on Wednesday, with Alexandre Lacazette once again on the scoresheet. Arsenal have also totted up four wins on the trot in the league, while their first clean sheet of the season also came last weekend against Everton.

Javi Gracia’s Watford were less fortunate and were knocked out of the League Cup on penalties by Tottenham at Stadium MK. The Hornets however do sit fourth in the league table, above their opponents on Saturday, but have not won since the beginning of the month.

Preview

What time does it start?

Arsenal vs. Watford kicks off at 3PM (BST)

Where can I watch it?

The match will not be shown live on TV or online in the UK.

Independent Sport will keep you up-to-date with all the goals as they fly in via our live blog.

Highlights will be shown at 10:30 PM on BBC One.

It’s a big game for…

Shkodran Mustafi: The German defender looked uncomfortable against Brentford in midweek and had Rob Holding to thank for digging the side out of danger at times. Sokratis is expected to feature after suffering a dead leg against Vorskla, but the Greek defender will need help from his fellow centre-back if they are to stave off the threat of Troy Deeney.

The German in action for Arsenal against Everton
The German in action for Arsenal against Everton (AFP/Getty Images)

Best stat…

56: Arsenal have won 56 points from a possible 60 from Saturday 3pm home games since their opening-day defeat to Aston Villa at the beginning of the 2013/14 season.

Player to watch…

Andre Gray: The forward proved to be a nightmare for the Fulham defence last weekend, constantly showing his desire to use his pace to run in behind, and he capitalised on some abysmal defending from the hosts to give the visitors an early lead. Theo Walcott and Richarlison were a similar threat for the Arsenal defence with their pace and timing of their runs, but spurned their chances when they came. Gray will hope to go one better than the Everton duo this weekend and beat Petr Cech.

Andre Gray has impressed for Watford so far
Andre Gray has impressed for Watford so far (Getty)

Past three meetings…

Arsenal 3 Watford 0, Premier League, March 2018

Watford 2 Arsenal 1, Premier League, October 2017

Arsenal 1 Watford 2, Premier League, January 2017

Form guide…

Arsenal: WWWWWW

Watford: WWWLDL

Odds…

Arsenal to win: 4/9

Watford to win: 23/4

Draw: 19/5

6 years ago

"We're are better with Marko," no pressure then, Arnautovic

"We started badly this season and improved this week, we must continue to try to improve more and recognise why we improved," West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini told BT Sport.

"We need to improve in defence, attack, in possession. Different issues we encounter every game.

"I don’t think we are going to win because they have some problems off the pitch. We must have a high performance against top players who can decide the game by themselves. We can’t think about that.

"We are better with Marko [Arnautovic] than without. He has returned from injury. I hope as team can attack well and Marko can score."

Jack Watson29 September 2018 12:24
6 years ago

Stat!

Can West Ham raise themselves like they did in 2016? Probably not, but it'll be good to see them try!

Jack Watson29 September 2018 12:26
6 years ago

We're off!

Manchester United get us underway at the London Stadium!

Jack Watson29 September 2018 12:30
6 years ago

Formation

So it looks like a back three of Lindelof, Smalling and McTominay.

Back the action and Anderson's corner is met by Balbuena, but Smalling does enough to put him off and his effort goes wide.

Jack Watson29 September 2018 12:32
6 years ago

West Ham defensively strong

"That should be the game plan today, be defensively strong. They have a very good from three," says former Manchester United man Owen Hargreaves on West Ham's team on BT Sport.

Jack Watson29 September 2018 12:34
6 years ago

West Ham open the scoring!

Felipe Anderson makes it 1-0!

Mark Noble plays a ball to Pablo Zabaletta on the right. He delivers a low pass to the front post and Anderson finishes in some style. What a start for the Hammers, that's a quality goal!

Jack Watson29 September 2018 12:36
6 years ago

8: Manchester United have not recovered well and have fallen back into the defensive shape that came undone so easily. They're having to dig in!

Jack Watson29 September 2018 12:38
6 years ago

10: West Ham come forward again through Anderson, who will be encouraged by his goal, Arnautovic gets involved as Manchester United scramble back, but things breakdown with the raising of the flag for offside.

Jack Watson29 September 2018 12:41
6 years ago

12: Shaw tries to get things going for United and the ball is switched to Young. The captain's lovely cross is met by Martial in front of goal and guided wide. The offside flag spares his blushes.

Jack Watson29 September 2018 12:42
6 years ago

It was a goal of true Brazilian style 

Jack Watson29 September 2018 12:43

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

0Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in