05 November 2021, 11:00
Arsenal - Watford match preview
After a difficult start to the season, a recent string of impressive performances have somewhat eased the pressure on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Perhaps this will turn out to be the beginning of a sustainable long-term project after all. Young players like Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka certainly look to have a bright future at the top of the game.
Business as usual - or can Watford produce another shock?
A home game against a newly promoted team would on paper seem a comfortable win for a club of Arsenal's stature. But we know the Premier League often loves to flip the script, as Watford did in their last away match, coming from behind to shock Rafa Benitez' Everton in a 5-2 win. This will be another case where the stronger home team have to be wary of complacency against an opponent with decent counter-attacking threat.
This Arsenal side have a different, more confident look about them from the one that started the season with a dismal defeat to another promoted side (Brentford) though. Arteta will be confident of putting together a strong mid-season challenge for the European places and keeping their run going here.
A tale of contrasting ambitions
For Arsenal, a push for the coveted top four and Champions League qualification is the goal this season; certainly achievable after their recent uplift in form. Watford, meanwhile, have more modest ambitions.
The Hornets were tipped by many to struggle this season and they've had an inconsistent start, with eye opening results like the Everton one nonetheless showing their ability to shock anyone on good days. They'll be hoping for more such results to help keep their head above the deep waters of the relegation zone and may well fancy their chances to do so at the Emirates.
This dynamic should make for a fascinating encounter between two infamously inconsistent teams over recent times.