Arsenal’s title challenge suffered a serious yet oh-so-predictable blow on Tuesday night, with the Gunners losing 2-1 at home to Watford.
After resting most of his big names for the weekend FA Cup rout of Southampton, Arsene Wenger recalled his first-choice players ahead of a game the north Londoners were expected to win at a canter.
However, once again the Gunners produced a dismal first-half display, with a vibrant Watford side 2-0 up within 13 minutes.
Younes Kaboul opened the scoring on 10 minutes, with his speculative free-kick deflected in off Aaron Ramsey.
Ramsey was then partly at fault for Watford’s second just three minutes later, with (brilliant on the night) Etienne Capoue’s penetrating run eventually ending with a tap-in for Troy Deeney.
After the break, Arsenal were much improved, with Alex Iwobi getting one back on 58 minutes after superb play from Alexis Sanchez.
Late on, the hosts pushed for a second goal, with sub Lucas Perez hitting the bar.
However, in the end, the Gunners couldn’t find an equaliser on a miserable (and wet) night for the Gunners.
Courtesy of their trademark wobble, Arsenal now find themselves a whopping nine points behind leaders Chelsea, who they face at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.
Once again, the Gunners look set to fall short in the Premier League, as Wenger’s managerial Groundhog Day continues.
As for Watford, after a poor couple of months, their hard-working display sees them move up to 13th, eight points clear of the drop-zone.
What a timely result for the Hornets!