WHAT HAPPENED
We’re back in the top four thanks to a very welcome win at Watford - and one of the most bizarre goals of the season.
A frenzied few minutes early in the first half made all the difference.
First, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang closed down Ben Foster and was rewarded for his industry when the goalkeeper’s clearance thumped against the back of his leg and ricocheted into the net.
Moments later, Watford pressed the self-destruct button again. This time Troy Deeney was the guilty party, sent off after catching Lucas Torreira with a forearm.
To their credit, the home side responded valiantly. Craig Cathcart hit the post and Bernd Leno had to fly to his left to keep out Etienne Capoue’s free-kick.
Watford got agonisingly close to an equaliser in the second half when Adam Masina thumped a drive against the angle of post and crossbar.
We looked for a second goal on the counter and, although our final ball wasn’t great, we should have put the game to bed when Alex Iwobi found Henrikh Mkhitaryan at the back post.
Instead, Foster was out to block at point-blank range.
And it was Watford who came on strong in the final stages. Luckily, Ainsley Maitland-Niles made a superb last-ditch block to deny Andre Gray after he went past Leno.
It was more nerve-wracking than it could have been against 10 men - but the points are ours.
THREE THINGS WE NOTICED
A sigh of relief, the ultimate high press and Dinos' big night.
HOW IT HAPPENED
See the full story of the game with our play-by-play commentary
WHAT IT MEANS
League table, April 15
TEAM NEWS
Unai Emery had to do without the suspended Sokratis for this vital Premier League game - and he brought in another Greek defender to replace him.
Dinos Mavropanos was handed his first start of the season in a back four that also featured Shkodran Mustafi at right back.
Granit Xhaka was passed fit to start in midfield and Aubameyang led the line - with Alex Lacazette on the bench.
WHAT’S NEXT
We’re back in Europa League action on Thursday with the all-important second leg of our quarter-final against Napoli in Italy.
Our next Premier League game is against Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
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