Arsenal’s dreams of winning another FA Cup were cut short but a brilliant display from Watford. The Gunners were looking to make it to three FA Cup finals in a row but were outgunned by an impressive side who were playing away from home.
The home side were heavy favourites considering that this was their only chance of winning silverware this season and only in the last 10-15 minutes did Arsenal show what they are capable off. The scoring started with Odion Ighalo before a thunderbolt from Guedioura gave the Hammers a two-goal lead.
Arsenal did hit back with Danny Welbeck scoring from a brilliant one-two with Mesut Ozil and the English striker had another chance in the dying minutes to draw the teams level but shot wide. The dream for Arsenal is over and the fight for a top-four finish is back on track for the Gunners. We provide the player ratings for the Gunners in a disappointing performance.
David Ospina – 6/10
Ospina might have wanted to keep a clean sheet but the goalkeeper could not do much to keep either Watford goal out for the Gunners.
Calum Chambers – 5/10
The Englishman had a poor outing for Arsenal; he did get into great positions but was poor with his delivery.
Per Mertesacker – 5/10
The German didn’t have the greatest game and had a torrid time dealing with the ability and strength of Odion Ighalo.
Gabriel Paulista – 6/10
Paulista was extremely lucky not to see a red card for a lunge in the first half but that didn’t really affect the game.
Kieran Gibbs – 5/10
Gibbs also had a poor outing for Arsenal, even though he had a lot of the ball, he couldn’t do much for the Gunners.
Francis Coquelin -5/10
The Frenchman looked a little out of sorts and seems to be taking a bit of time to come back from his injury, not the greatest performance in midfield from the highly rated midfielder.
Mohamed Elneny – 7/10
A decent display from the newest Arsenal recruit, Elneny was great with his distribution even though his shooting was a little off this game.
Joel Campbell – 6/10
Campbell tried his best but just couldn’t deliver the final product when Arsenal needed it. He was substituted as well when Arsenal needed a lot of impetus in attack.
Mesut Ozil – 7/10
Was subdued during most of the game but came to life in the last few minutes and provided a great flick for Welbeck to score.
Alexis Sanchez – 5/10
A poor showing from the Chilean, certainly not what most fans expected from him after his great first season last year.
Olivier Giroud – 5/10
Giroud couldn’t really get into the game and the knives are out once again for the Frenchman.
Substitutes:
Theo Walcott – 6/10
Walcott was brought on to change the game and he did make a difference but it wasn’t enough.
Danny Welbeck – 7/10
Welbeck was on fire after he came on and was extremely close to making it 2-2 but couldn’t do the job.
Alex Iwobi – 5/10
Nothing much to do from the youngster, though he tried his level best.