Watford have a hard task in subdueing the Arsenal attacking midfielder, says Alex Keble...
Quique Sanchez Flores has shown great tactical acumen to turn Watford into a stubborn and well-organised Premier League side. But the visit of Arsenal – who have scored eight goals in their last two games – represents their biggest challenge to date.
The key battle will be between Etienne Capoue and Mesut Ozil, with the German playmaker becoming increasingly important against deep-lying opposition.
Watford play in a 4-2-3-1 formation with a focus on a deep defensive line and long-ball football; they catch the fewest offsides (1 per game) and play the most long balls (81) in the division. As a result they also have the lowest-scoring matches in the league, having netted the fewest number of goals (6) and conceded the joint fewest (7).
Watford’s interceptions against Crystal Palace (left) exemplify their deep line. Against Swansea (right) they attempted 57 long passes.
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It is against deep defensive shells that Arsenal traditionally struggle. The 5-2 victory at Leicester and 3-0 defeat of Man United were largely thanks to the huge amounts of space left behind the high backlines; Arsenal are at their best when allowed to counter-attack.
Mesut magic
Mesut Ozil (4 assists, 4.4 key passes per game) has been in fantastic form this season, and his vision will be of heightened importance when Arsenal – likely to heavily dominate possession – are confronted with Watford’s brick wall. Against such strong opponents the trickery of Alexis Sanchez and speed of Theo Walcott (Arsenal’s main attacking threats in recent weeks) are likely to be of limited use.
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Against the deep defence of Crystal Palace, Ozil created 5 chances but Sanchez was kept quiet.
Capoue (3.4 tackles, 3.3 interceptions) and the returning Valon Behrami (4.2 tackles, 3 interceptions) will play an immensely important role in shielding the back four. Since Arsenal play relentlessly through the middle of the pitch (32% of attacks, league’s highest) their respective abilities to handle Ozil and Santi Cazorla will be crucial.
These screen grabs of Behrami against West Brom (left) and Capoue against Swansea (right) demonstrate their defensive value.
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It is games such as these – away from home, and against a defence that will not allow them space in the final third – that will prove Arsenal’s adaptability and long-term title credentials.
