The ‘cojones’ game.
clips of Jon Marks BBC 3CR commentary Goals: 1 2
Watford fans’ group to unveil huge flag at Arsenal game
Tom Cleverley’s injury-time winner gives Watford first home win over Arsenal in almost 30 years
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hits out at ‘scandalous’ penalty decision after Watford defeat
Marco Silva hails Watford’s belief after Arsenal win and speaks in protection of Richarlison
Adrian Mariappa praises Watford’s work-rate after comeback win over Arsenal
RATINGS: Troy Deeney and Richarlison on song as Watford stun Arsenal
Arsene Wenger: Arsenal boss faces potential FA charge for confronting ref in wake of Watford loss
Richarlison: Watford winger avoids FA rap for alleged dive during Arsenal win
WATFORD FAN’S VIEW: Arsenal win shows how together Hornets are – if we didn’t know already
Arsene Wenger bemoaned a “scandalous decision” to award Watford a penalty as Arsenal squandered a lead to lose 2-1 in injury time at Vicarage Road.
Late goals by Troy Deeney and Tom Cleverley saw Watford come from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 and go fourth in the Premier League.
For Watford this was the thrilling story of another last-gasp triumph thanks to a 92nd-minute goal by Tom Cleverley following an equaliser from the penalty spot by Troy Deeney. For Arsenal it boiled down to a tale of two Germans and one 20-year-old Brazilian.
Richarlison’s late winner at Swansea City was good, and his equaliser at the death at West Bromwich Albion too was important too. But this Watford fight-back, sealed by Tom Cleverley’s 90th minute winner, sparking carnage at Vicarage Road, was the best of the lot.
Considering that the primary criticism of Mesut Ozil is that he does not do enough to seize control of games, it is a cruel twist of fate that it was his error that swung this match away from Arsenal. Clean through on goal, with almost enough time to stop and brush the hair out of his eyes, Ozil had the most welcoming of opportunities to extend the lead given to his side by an unlikely Per Mertesacker header.
We’ve noted this before, but if you were to list the things you missed about the Second Division, floodlit matches at the Vic would be up there. And no, this wasn’t strictly an evening game but the sun was on its way home for “Strictly” and beans on toast by kick-off and the marvellous focused intensity of such occasions was thick in the air. The 1881’s latest magnificent flag shrouded the Rookery as the teams came out and then rattled back down the stand like an opening curtain on the spectacle.
Given the two away games and the international break, this was the first home game since Toddy passed away, so it was a sombre crowd that gathered. There was a huge contingent of Norfolk Horns in attendance and Toddy’s son, Chris, came along, which was just lovely. I doubt he has ever been hugged so much before. Glasses were raised, happy memories exchanged and there was a determination to sing our hearts out for Toddy as well as the lads.
Well then, where do I start? In all honesty I don’t really know. You all know what’s coming, you all know what happened, it’s no secret. So is there really any point in going through the motions and talking about the rest of the game? Or should I just waffle on about how Tom Cleverley’s 92nd minute winner epitomised Watford’s fighting spirit this season, or how it capped one of the most memorable nights at Vicarage Road?
The Golden Boys sit fourth in the Premier League table tonight securing a first victory over the Gunners at Vicarage Road for the first time in 30 years.
BSAD report: As match reports go, this one seems about as pointless as the game itself. That is, it would’ve suited everyone if Ray Lewington had been able to make a phonecall to Colin Lee, negotiate a one-all draw, and save the trouble of a Tuesday night spent watching nonsense and listening to nonsense. And save me the trouble of a Wednesday morning spent writing (about) nonsense. It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t entertaining…and, yes, we’ll take a point in the absence of anything better. Next, please….
