Against a side sitting back Arsenal needed someone to lift the tempo and dominate,but Watford’s determination to frustrate ultimately proved a winnerArsenal’s latest damaging defeat came against a well-organised Watford side using the traditional tactics that contain caused the Gunners problems over the past decade. The away side concentrated on denying Arsenal space in the final third, then pounced through a set piece and a counterattack.
Quique Sánchez Flores’s approach was designed to frustrate Arsenal. Watfords back four defended deep, or denying the domestic side the opportunity to play through-balls in behind,while the midfield quartet was comprised of four central players who protected Watford’s centre-backs and made it difficult for Arsenal to play through the centre. Only Adlène Guedioura, to the right of the midfield, and showed any inclination to push forward and support the forward duo.
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Source: theguardian.com