Arsenal welcome Watford to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, hoping to head into the international break in touching distance of the top 4.
The Gunners come into the game following an impressive 2-0 away win over Leicester last weekend off the back of a blistering opening 20 minutes before a resolute defensive display helped to secure the 3 points.
Watford, on the other hand, fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Vicarage Road.
The Hornets have conceded the 4th most goals in the Premier League this season, shipping 1.8 per game. Whilst they also have the 4th lowest possession in the league averaging 41.6% per game.
Arsenal will have plenty of the ball and given Watford's defensive record, a lot of opportunities on goal.
The Gunners have relied on their fast starts in the Premier League over recent months, scoring early in games and giving them a platform to defend deep and counter attack. This has been accompanied by an exceptional set piece record, scoring 4 corner goals in the past 4 games.
We have seen Arsenal's strong defence, even prior to this season, but what we have not yet seen is a side who can be ruthless on a consistent basis. 16th place Watford provide Arsenal an opportunity to register a high scoring victory heading into the international break.
Kieran Tierney is yet to complete a full training session since his ankle injury but Arteta believes the Scotsman is close to making a return for the Gunners.
Tierney's deputy, Nuno Tavares, has impressed in recent weeks, filling in with driving displays against Aston Villa and Leicester City, offering a comparable outlet to Tierney, and crucially defending well - a doubt about the Portuguese youngster before he joined.
Given Arsenal's struggles to retain the ball against Leicester City, it would not be a surprise to see Martin Ødegaard return to the side after a couple of games on the bench.
The Norwegian has fallen into a slump over recent weeks but with slightly weaker opposition and his skillset in demand, this feels like a good opportunity to reintegrate him in place of Alexandre Lacazette.
Given the opposition, Arteta may feel this is an opportunity to include Ainsley Maitland-Niles in midfield, or Nicolas Pépé on the wing.
Arsenal have won the last 3 meetings between the teams at the Emirates and it would be a surprise if the Gunners do not win once again on Sunday afternoon.
Prediction:
Arsenal 3 - 0 Watford
Gareth Southgate has announced his England squad for the World Cup Qualifiers against Albania and San Marino.
Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale have earned deserved call-ups after their impressive recent form, with the latter carving out a narrative that he should be England's number 1 by the World Cup.
Ramsdale has been exceptional since joining Arsenal in the summer having conceded just 4 goals in 7 league games and boasting a staggering save percentage of 85.7% - in comparison Jordan Pickford's is 66.7%.
Although he came with many doubters, the English shot stopper has helped transform the side, bringing a calm demeanour to the defence alongside exceptional distribution, helping Arsenal to break the lines with ease and progress up the pitch quickly.
However, both Ben White and Emile Smith Rowe have missed out.
Southgate has opted to stick with Harry Maguire, John Stones, Conor Coady and Tyrone Mings as his centre back rotation despite a combination of poor form and lack of game time plaguing each defender. In contrast, White has found his feet and helped Arsenal to become one of the form sides in the Premier League.
Perhaps the biggest snub of the entire squad was Emile Smith Rowe.
The forward has been a driving force for Arsenal this season both on and off the ball, playing in a variety of positions and always looking dangerous.
Smith Rowe has added end product to his game this season with 3 goals and 2 assists in 9 starts for the Gunners. His output added to his versatility and work rate makes him a perfect candidate for the young England side.
Arsenal secured a statement 2-0 victory away to Leicester City last weekend, demonstrating a complete performance against a top 4 rival.
Mikel Arteta fielded the same side which beat Aston Villa the week prior, sticking to a 4-4-2 with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette up front.
The Gunners got off to an electrifying start, almost forcing an own goal inside the first minute through sharp incisive play.
The start was capitalised on 5 minutes in as Bukayo Saka's corner was floated towards Gabriel who climbed highest, flicking the ball into the far corner to give Arsenal the deserved early lead.
Emile Smith Rowe made it 2-0 in the 18th minute pouncing on a loose ball in the Leicester penalty area. Thomas Partey swept a ball out to Saka who combined with Lacazette to enter the box. The Leicester defenders scrambled the ball away, but only as far as Smith Rowe who smashed the ball into the net beyond Kasper Schmeichel.
From that point on, the Gunners sat back and defender their lead.
Leicester began sustaining attacks in the Arsenal half, forcing brave defending and occasionally testing Aaron Ramsdale in goal.
The highlight of the game was undoubtedly Ramsdale's spectacular save from a James Maddison free kick on the stroke of half time, tipping the ball onto the bar to keep the Gunners in control.
It was a complete display from Arsenal who were excellent in attack during the opening 20 minutes and magnificent in defence the last 70, showing they can do both to a high level.
It is a win that should give Arsenal hope. Leicester are a good side who are aiming to be in the top 4 hunt at the end of the season and beating them is big for confidence and the table. A trip to Watford before the international break should see the Gunners extend their unbeaten run to 9 games.
Adam Perry - 05/11/2021