Watford vs Arsenal: 3 Key Battles
Watford hosts Arsenal at Vicarage Road on Saturday in the Premier League aiming to keep their survival plan firmly on track. The Gunners struggled in the opening six league games to score goals this season, but Arsene Wenger’s men have stormed to second place thanks to eight goals in two victories over Leicester City and Manchester United. Watford manager Quique Flores will be more than happy with the start his side have made on their return to the Premier League. They have lost only twice so far, one of which came away at league leaders Manchester City. This has left the Hornets sitting comfortably in mid-table at this admittedly early stage.
Here are the three key battles which could decide the outcome of this match.
- Ozil vs Capoue
The most interesting clash of this match will be between Arsenal’s on form playmaker Mesut Ozil and Watford’s summer signing from Tottenham Etienne Capoue. Watford have conceded only one goal in nearly six hours of football on their home ground, that is also the best defensive record in the league. Capoue has been a key factor in this defensive success, quietly going about his business since his summer move.
On the other hand, the German playmaker Ozil has created 28 chances so far this season from open play, as well as four assists and one goal. It will be Capoue’s job to keep tabs on the Arsenal midfielder, if he is able to close Ozil down quickly he may be able to nullify the playmakers passing ability.