Arsenal too strong for defiant Watford

Three goals in quick succession saw Arsenal beat Watford 3-0 at Vicarage Road on Saturday, with Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey all finding the net.

Watford 0 Arsenal 3

Gunners dominant after break

Alexis and Ozil star

Watford aggrieved at opener

Arsenal consolidate second place

Match Summary

Arsenal produced a powerful second-half performance to claim a 3-0 win over Watford and consolidate second place in the Premier League.

They were three points for which Arsene Wenger's men had to battle for after an energetic and dynamic Watford performance in front of their own fans.

However, as the hosts tired, Arsenal's extra quality began to shine through, and they ruthlessly turned the screw to underline their title credentials.

Full Report

There was no shortage of chances in an open first half, though neither side find themselves able to dominate.

Watford's perspiration was more than a match for any inspiration that Arsenal could muster, and the hosts were perhaps unfortunate not to score before the break.

Troy Deeney stung the palms of Petr Cech from distance, and Odion Ighalo really should have done better when one-on-one with the former Chelsea stopper.

Arsenal were very much involved too, though, with Alexis Sanchez a mercurial presence throughout. He tested Heurelho Gomez from outside the box and created a glorious chance for Aaron Ramsey at the back post, only to see the Welshman guide his close-range effort over the bar.

The hosts came out positively for the second half too and continued to cause problems for the Gunners' defence, but the game took a controversial turn on the hour.

Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue was certain he had been fouled in the Arsenal box, but as the Hornets' penalty claims were being waved away, Arsenal strode purposely forward and broke the deadlock.

Mesut Ozil was played in by a neat exchange of passes with Santi Cazorla and appeared to be fouled by Gomes, but Sanchez was on the spot to turn the loose ball into the net.

From there it was a totally different game, with Arsenal firmly in command. Ozil was involved again a few minutes later, teeing up sub Olivier Giroud to smash home a second, and Ramsey took advantage of a dynamic run by Hector Bellerin to squeeze home another and put a dominant gloss on a fine performance.