Watford vs. Arsenal: Score and Reaction from 2016 Premier League Match

Arsenal grabbed their first win of the 2016-17 Premier League season on Saturday, beating Watford 3-1.

Santi Cazorla gave the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot. While the Gunners couldn’t create much danger in the first half, a late surge led by Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil ensured the side entered half-time with a three-goal lead.

Debutant Roberto Pereyra reduced the deficit in the second half, but the Gunners closed up shop after the goal.

As Arsenal’s official Twitter account shared, Rob Holding made another start for the visitors, and Theo Walcott kept hold of his spot up front:

Today’s teamsheet #WFCvAFC pic.twitter.com/kc1ann5vTv

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 27, 2016

The Gunners took control of the ball early and tried to get Sanchez involved as much as possible, while Watford threatened on the counter and with high crosses coming from the wings. Chances were few in the opening stages, but after eight minutes, the Gunners were handed a penalty after a strange sequence.

Nordin Amrabat covered Sanchez, who took a knock in the head in the process and needed some treatment. As shared by Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, referee Kevin Friend had no intention of blowing the whistle at first:

Penalty for Arsenal. Sanchez fouled by Amrabat in the box. Play continues before ref Kevin Friend pulls it back for the spot kick.

— Darren Lewis (@MirrorDarren) August 27, 2016

Replays showed Sanchez clearly took an elbow to the head, but Friend’s indecision raised a few eyebrows nonetheless. Cazorla easily converted the spot-kick to give Arsenal an early lead.

Watford had no real answers early and kept swinging in crosses, which were easily claimed by Petr Cech. The Gunners didn’t create much either, although Ozil sent a few searching …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com