Arsenal 1-2 Watford

Football is a funny old sport, after a devastating defeat to Millwall in the FA Cup Sunday the last thing Watford needed was a trip to The Emirates to take on an in form Arsenal team. Well it seemed that way anyway!

A 9 am seminar wasn't the way I wanted to start what I perceived was going to be another miserable away day. I explained to the others at uni that we were probably going to spanked 4-0 (just to cover my back) but my mate who's a Gooner said he had a bad feeling about the game.

Anyhow as I made the relatively short journey to North London that sense of false optimism that all football fans get returned. Me and my mate made jokes of how funny would it be if we actually took 3 points. I was preparing to build myself up in belief to have football crush me back down again but as I walked down from the station a sudden belief came that we could actually get something from the game.

Boy what a start The Hornets made, we took the game to the hosts right from the off and were showing the fight and grit that was missing on Sunday. In the 10th minute we were rewarded. Cleverely laid his free kick to Kaboul who optimistically struck it at goal but a deflection sent it past Cech to send the away end into raptures. The almost 3000 Watford fans went crazy and it was no less than what we deserved.

Things got even better just three minutes later. A loose throw in was picked up by Capoue just inside the Arsenal half, he ran through a slack Arsenal defence and shot at Cech who could only parry it into the path of Troy Deeney who slotted into an empty net. If the place went crazy at 1-0 it went potty at 2-0 an air of disbelief swept round the away end.

The Hornets continued to take the game to the title challengers and could've been 3 up in truth if it hadn't been for the Arsenal keeper who saved from Prödl and Janmaat respectively. Its the best half of football I've seen us play in a long time. Arsenal as usual had a lot of the ball but didn't test Gomes once in the first half, we deservedly went in 2-0 at the break.

After 15 minutes of partying on the concourse, with a beer in hand of course, it was time to go back to watch the inevitable 45 minute onslaught that was going to follow from The Gooners.

Just 13 minutes into the second half Arsenal were back in the game, a delightful chipped cross from Sanchez found Iwobi unmarked at the back post and he made no mistake with the finish. So just the 32 minutes to cling on to the three points.

There were some close moments particularly towards the end when Perez smashed the ball against the underside of the Watford crossbar. But even though we rode our luck we played with unity, passion and determination which is exactly what I and many others have been crying out for. Do you know what despite the pressure we still had a say in the game and were always a threat with the pace we had on the counter.

Thankfully the hosts didn't level the game and after 5 minutes of added time The Hornets recorded a 2-1 victory at The Emirates for the second time in two seasons. On the balance of the game we probably deserved it and it's a very welcome three points.

Thats our first top flight victory over Arsenal since 1988 and boy the team showed everyone what they can do when they play as a unit and not as individuals. Now we just need to back this up with another three points which would give us some daylight from the relegation battle.

I write this blog on the day of GT's funeral and last nights performance was one that he most certainly would've been proud of. The chants of 'one Graham Taylor' at the end said it all and how much we knew the win was for him as much as it was for us.

This ones for you GT!
You 'Orns!

Arsenal 1-2 Watford
Man of the match- Gomes- made some outstanding saves second half. Special mention for Capoue who was absolutely fantastic and controlled the game.

Away Day rating- 6/10- I don't particularly like going to The Emirates but tonight was good

Game rating- 9/10- fantastic performance

Next match- Burnley (H)

@Adzrowe on twitter