Martin Odegaard struck early for the visitors before Cucho Hernandez equalised with a lovely overhead kick mins later. England international Saka placed Arsenal returned in front after half of an hour and Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli accelerated the traffic' lead early in the 2nd 1/2. A past due intention from Moussa Sissoko towards the run of play gave Watford wish however the Gunners held out for a crucial win. The victory lifts Mikel Arteta's guys into fourth vicinity inside the Premier League -- one factor in advance of United, who are in movement inside the later kick-off against leaders Manchester City.
Watford had the ball inside the internet some seconds after kick-off but Emmanuel Dennis's effort turned into dominated offside. Arsenal settled quickly after their early scare and were in the front in the 5th minute after neat paintings down the proper, with Saka slicing lower back to Odegaard, who completed with his left foot. But the Gunners' benefit became cancelled out within the 11th minute whilst Hernandez produced an acrobatic overhead kick from close to the penalty spot after a cross from Kiko Femenia.
Arsenal restored their gain just after the half of-hour mark with a cleverly crafted aim completed by means of Saka. The England guy dispossessed Tom Cleverley just outside the Watford container before passing to Alexandre Lacazette, who held the ball up then backheeled it again to Saka, who fired in. Arsenal extended their lead early inside the 2d half with a lovely third from Martinelli, who hammered domestic from the edge of the field after a neat layoff from Lacazette.
Watford still presented a danger in spite of Arsenal's superiority and Denis should have narrowed the distance however miscued a threat on the a long way post with about 20 mins to go. Arsenal replacement Eddie Nketiah hit the woodwork with 10 minutes to move and Sissoko gave the visitors a overdue scare whilst he bundled the ball domestic inside the 87th minute.
The win makes Arsenal robust favourites to complete inside the top four and qualify for next season's Champions League -- a competition they have now not played in for the reason that 2016/17 season. They have 48 points after 25 games, one in advance of United, who had performed video games more in advance of the Manchester derby.
Roy Hodgson's Watford continue to be 2d from bottom of the Premier League desk, three points from safety.
