It never gets old at the beginning of a season. I am of course referring to the game of ‘who gets sacked first’ There were fewer candidates this year but I went for the obvious in Steve Bruce of Newcastle, who has the ability to turn Barcelona into Dagenham and Redbridge and other team to do so is surely Watford.
The @PremierLeague is finally back at the weekend – and here's what happened on our last trip to Watford 😁 #MondayMotivation
🤔 What's the most unusual Arsenal goal you've ever seen? pic.twitter.com/ERIri2wtl9
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 9, 2019
I was fairly confident but stopped short of placing a bet with Mr William Hill because it’s usually the one you least expect that ends up king of the scrap heap. Well it happened again, a knee jerk reaction to a woeful start to the season with Watford, Arsenal’s Old sparring partner, taking that particular honour.
Obviously a no cojones situation, which saw them oust Javi Gracia in a press release and within 31 minutes replace him with Quique Sanchez Flores, whom they dispatched in 2016.
The contest between Arsenal and Watford has always been a bitter and feisty affair, made significantly worse in recent years by the blaggard known as Troy Deeney.
It’s unclear if Deeney will play any part because of his recent injury, a stubbed toe !! The poor little diddums was pictured on social media on crutches outside his mansion or the Watford toe trauma clinic.
His message was positive and brave,
“The road to recovery from this stubbed toe is in full effect, even in the bad days I’m still and grateful for everything in my life.”
He’d hardly ruptured an Achilles but one tends to have a degree of sympathy because, I too have stubbed a toe but went to work, minus the crutches to execute my normal paid duties. Yes, it’s the stuff of heroes !
In all seriousness, Arsenal fans will be more concerned by the appointment of Javi Gracia because of the ‘bounce’ factor which generally follows the appointment of a new/old manager, as players fight like siblings for approval and attention.
You can’t rule it out because it’s happened so many times over the years and Watford have always been a banana skin fixture in waiting.
Having said that, my feeling is that Arsenal will have too much for Watford in the end but it will be the usual prickly, full bloodied tussle that is a kick away from a season ending injury.
BREAKING: Watford have reappointed Quique Sanchez Flores to replace the sacked Javi Gracia
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 7, 2019
Watford have all the skills but they mask it with physicality, something that Arsenal haven’t coped with particularly well in the past. Expect Guendouzi and Cabellos in the starting 11 and let’s pray to God that Xhaka has contacted some mild form of virus that prevents him starting and by doing so, handing out free goals.
Of course I’m going to go on about Guendouzi, who was magnificent against Spurs but it’s all about consistency and I’m mindful that it’s a long season and on the odd occasion that I have covered someone in praise, in the very next game they disappoint.
Yet, this remarkable young Frenchman excites Arsenal supporters with his passion and desire and could be the cheapest emerging superstar in football history.
Aubameyang, Lacazette and Pepe are a must and it’s only a matter of time before the trio click and annihilate a team. Whatever Emery’s thoughts, Cabellos needs to be centre stage and let off the leash. No duties, no tasks, just told to go out and excuse the cliche, express himself.
Watford will try to restrict, frustrate, dominate and overwhelm. They may go direct and target either Maitland-Niles or Luiz as they try to apply pressure to a makeshift right back and unsettled centre back.
Lucas Torriera must play against Watford if available and I’m increasingly inclined to put Calum Chambers alongside him. Time to give this lad some playing time to prove he can make it at this level or ship him out.
For Watford, Capoue and Doucoure are always creative, Sarr and Welbeck may cause a degree of havoc and Deulofeu or Deeney, toe permitting, will add the fire power if all are fit, well and chosen.
Watford currently sit in 20th place with a grand total of 1 point from 4 games. Their manager is apparently on the verge of losing his job. Vicarage Road is the only ground that we kept an away clean sheet at last season.
Only Arsenal could make you nervous for a game like this.
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) September 7, 2019
The team that grabs the first goal will almost certainly be in the driving seat and an advantage at half time will prove invaluable but it will be hard fought unless there are a host of horrors and gaffs, Arsenal’s party piece of late.
Predicted Score – Watford 1-3 Arsenal
Preferred line ups – Leno, Maitland Niles, Sokratis, Luiz, Kolasinac, Torreira, Chambers,Pepe, Cabellos, Aubameyang and Lacazette.
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