Arsenal beat Watford 3-2 at Vicarage Road on Sunday afternoon to move into the top four and start dreaming of Champions League qualification 

A fifth minute strike by Martin Odegaard after dovetailing well with Bukayo Saka put the Gunners ahead, to the delight of the vociferous travelling Gunners supporters.

Arsenal hopes were derailed somewhat when Cucho Hernandez levelled through an outstanding display of athleticism, with an overhead kick that gave England keeper Aaron Ramsdale no chance, to make it 1-1 a mere six minutes later. 

Not to be deterred the visitors took the lead again on the half hour mark. Bukayo Saka’s determination being the driving force behind the strike. 

It’s hard to believe the England international is still only 20 years old as he robbed Tom Cleverly to play a neat one-two with captain Alex Lacazette, before unleashing a swift left-footed drive that wrongfooted Watford keeper Ben Foster to make it 2-1.

The Gunners extended the lead through Gabriel Martinelli on 52 minutes. There was still time for Moussa Sissoko to beat Ben White and fire past Ramsdale with only four minutes remaining but the visitors saw the game out to clinch a vital victory. 

Read the Gooner Fanzine's Player Ratings 

Ramsdale: 7/10 - To think there were those that scoffed when he arrived. Always a vital character in tough games in organising - and at times rallying - his backline through his vocal presence. And that's without mentioning what an excellent goalkeeper he is. Exciting to think there will be so much more to come from England's No1

Cédric Soares: 7/10 - Not Tomiyashu but gets the job done. One daft backheel apart he was solid at the back. Played a piviotal role in Martinelli's goal. Booked

Ben White: 7.5/10 - The loyal travelling support sang his name loudly and proudly to Ian Wright's former song. Had a couple of half chances including a wayward volley so perhaps he needs to watch a few videos of Wrighty's finishing ability. Redoubtable at the back however. Which is why Arsenal paid what now looks like a cheap £50m

Gabriel: 7.5/10 - A physical presence who constantly blunted Watford's attacks

Kieran Tierney: 7/10 - Still not at his best but his performance was still good enough to keep the Hornets at bay 

Thomas Partey: 7.5/10 - Went close with a couple of shots but his real role is in breaking down opponents attacks. Which is what he excelled at. Still so much more to come from the former Atletico Madrid powerhouse. Imagine how good he'll be when he reaches top form

Granit Xhaka: 7.5/10 - Credit where credit is due: A disciplined performance 

Bukayo Saka: 8.5/10 - Hard to imagine he is still only 20. A world claass talent with an attitude and work ethic to go with it. Earned his goal through his sheer determination, before the talent took over to fire home. Shaping up to be a true Gunners legend if he keeps progressing 

Martin Ødegaard: 8/10 - Showed flair, vision and creativity for the opening goal. A silky presence throughout before he was substituted for Holding to run the clock down at the end. A delightful player who is growing in terms of influence game by game 

Gabriel Martinelli: 8/10 - Always full of running on and off the ball and deserved his goal. Great to see the celebrations between him, him teammates and the 3,000 loyal Gooners massed behind the goal to underline the solidarity that this club once again posseses. Substituted for Pépé at on 73 minutes

Alex Lacazette: 7.5/10 - Another whose work ethic is worthy of praise. Great to see an Arsenal captain who is such a team player. Dovetailed well with Saka and Martinelli for their goals to deservedly earn a brace of assists. Substituted for Nketiah with ten minutes remaining. Booked 

Substitutes: 

Rob Holding: N/A - replaced Odegaard with moments remaining

Pepe: 6/10 - Came on for goalscorer Martinelli with 17 minutes left

Eddie Nketiah: 6/10 - Swapped with Lacazette on 80 minutes