Watford 0 Arsenal 3: Mesut Ozil at the heart of all things positive

ANALYSIS: Questions over Arsenal's character remain

(2015 Getty Images)

Arsenal eventually broke Watford down at Vicarage Road before completing a 3-0 victory. Here, we take a closer look at the match.

STAR PLAYER

Ozil is so often maligned, but the German playmaker was at the heart of all things positive for Arsenal at Vicarage Road. His understanding with Sanchez is bordering on telepathic, and it was Ozil's deft touches which helped set up the opening goals. Arsenal's record signing will, of course, still find plenty of critics due to his somewhat lackadaisical style - but they should watch a rerun of this match in slow motion to truly appreciate Ozil's contribution.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Few teams turn defence to attack as well as the Gunners. Their opening goal on 62 minutes was a case in point. No sooner had Watford's attack broken down with a penalty appeal turned away, then Sanchez was scampering down the left. Roll the clock on about 60 seconds and the Chile forward was wheeling away in celebration. Clinical.

Alexis Sanchez scores the opening goal against Watford (GETTY IMAGES)

VIEW FROM THE BENCH

Quique Sanchez Flores set his side up with two banks of four and after looking to be holding a high line, the hosts soon proved difficult to break down. Arsenal tried too many quick passes in the first half when a more direct approach was needed to release Walcott. Eventually, though, Arsenal's patience paid off as a quick break saw Sanchez give them the lead, with Giroud and Ramsey making sure of another impressive away win for Arsene Wenger's side.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

Arsenal's technical superiority again proved enough to earn them victory, but questions remain about character as at the start of the second half, the Gunners were outfought by the Hornets. While it did not ultimately matter here, it could just yet prove their Achilles heel over the course of the championship race.

WHO'S UP NEXT?

Stoke v Watford (Barclays Premier League, Saturday October 24)

Arsenal v Bayern Munich (Champions League, Tuesday October 20)