Watford 2-2 Arsenal player ratings: Unai Emery is to blame

Arsenal's Joe Willock (left) and Watford's Craig Dawson battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Vicarage Road, Watford. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Joe Willock (left) and Watford's Craig Dawson battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Vicarage Road, Watford. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
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WATFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Roberto Pereyra of Watford and David Luiz of Arsenal in discussion after the Premier League match between Watford FC and Arsenal FC at Vicarage Road on September 15, 2019 in Watford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Roberto Pereyra of Watford and David Luiz of Arsenal in discussion after the Premier League match between Watford FC and Arsenal FC at Vicarage Road on September 15, 2019 in Watford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 4/10

Maitland-Niles was simply poor today. There is no other explanation for it; do not be fooled by his assist. He is usually composed on the ball but today he misplaced a lot of passes. This included one which could have been costly towards the end of the game when Watford were seeking a winner.

Improvement needs to be made, especially considering Hector Bellerin is nearing his comeback.

David Luiz – 4/10

The Brazilian was bought in to save Arsenal points, not cost them. He put in a dreadful challenge towards the end of the game inside the box, gifting the Hornets a penalty. He played a few good balls out from the back but this does not excuse his costly mistake.

Sokratis Papastathopolous – 4/10

Usually, Sokaratis is very reliable in a number of different situations. However, this new style of playing out from the back does not seem to suit the Greece international. He gifted the ball on a plate for Tom Cleverley to pounce, setting the Gunners up for a miserable second half.

Sead Kolasinac – 6/10

Kolasinac was the best of Arsenal’s defenders but that’s only because he rarely played in the defensive third. He made a goal out of nothing by making progress forward and laying the ball on a plate to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He was very good at winning back possession in advanced positions, showing that he can easily replace Nacho Monreal.

As Kieran Tierney nears full fitness, Kolasinac will hope for more performances like today. Although, he will also be hoping that Arsenal can improve their results in turn.