Arsenal made their way into the top four with a resounding 3-1 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road.
Mikel Arteta’s side took an early lead with a brilliant team goal which was finished off by Martin Odegaard.
Watford hit back minutes later to restore parity between the sides courtesy of a beautiful overhead kick goal by Cucho Hernandez from Kiko Femenia’s right-wing cross.
The Gunners soon found themselves back in front after a fast run of play culminated in a fine Bukayo Saka finish.
Early in the second half, Arsenal added to their tally when Alexandre Lacazette laid off the ball to Gabriel Martinelli who rifled a powerful shot past Ben Forster in goal.
The hosts looked set to cause the Gunners problems when they scored a late goal minutes before the end of regular time through Moussa Sissoko.
However, it was not to be as the visitors held on to their lead to secure a much deserved three points.
The win takes Arsenal into the fourth on the Premier League standings while Watford remain placed in 19th spot.
Speaking about his side’s rise into the top four, Arteta told Sky Sports he was pleased and said his side had earned it.
“It is very pleasing. We know how difficult it is to be in this position in this league. We’ve earned it; we have come a long way as a team.”
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When quizzed about his team’s overall play against Watford, Arteta said he felt Arsenal could have done better.
“We had great attacking moments, but I wasn’t pleased with our organisation,” he said.
“We didn’t dominate and play the way we wanted. Credit to Watford, but a lot of it was down to us; we should have done better and there is a lot to improve.”
Watford manager Roy Hodgson also spoke to the media following his side’s loss to Arsenal.
“On the whole I thought we did about as well as I could have hoped against a very good team in top form,” he said.
“We worked very hard, and I’ve got no criticism of my players after that. We had what would have been a wonderful start with that early goal that was chalked off.
“I thought we did well to get back into it after they went ahead, and while the players’ efforts to get an equaliser at 2-1 led to their third, we kept going and made it an exciting finish.”
Arsenal now sit fourth with 48 points while Watford continue to be embroiled in a relegation battle managing only 19 points and are in the penultimate spot.
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