Arsenal dropped down to sixth the Premier League after losing to Watford 2-1 thanks to a late Tom Cleverley goal meaning they now are yet to record a win away from home this season.
The game started slowly with Watford arguably offering the better chances going forward as the visitors fielded a side without Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey after they were left out of the squad following post-international game fatigue.
However, the tie sparked into action after old-timer Per Mertesacker nodded Arsenal into the lead after 39 minutes as he netted his first goal since December 2013. The German giant is set to retire at the end of the season and become an academy coach for the London outfit, per the Express.
When the benched Mesut Ozil came onto the pitch on 61 minutes, the game swung in the way of Arsenal after he almost instantly set up Alex Iwobi who saw his shot palmed away by Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
His presence was felt even more after Ozil was sent through one-on-one with Gomes on 69 minutes but couldn’t find a way past the custodian. Less than 60 seconds later, Watford were awarded a penalty after breaking up the other end following the golden chance.
Troy Deeney stepped up to equalise for the Hornets on with twenty minutes of the game left to play.
Boo’s were heard from the Arsenal section after Jack Wilshere was sent back to the bench despite being on the touchline ready to come onto the pitch. Instead, Rob Holding was brought on sturdy the defensive line amid Watford pressure.
The home side’s pressure paid off eventually as Tom Cleverley hammered home the winner two minutes into stoppage time following a scramble in the box.
The 2-1 loss for Arsenal means they are currently yet to win away from home in four league games this season after losing 1-0 away at Stoke, 4-0 to Liverpool and drawing 0-0 when visiting Chelsea before Saturday’s match.