ARSENAL only just scraped past relegated Watford as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fell just short of the golden boot.
David Luiz was up to his usual tricks as Mikel Arteta’s formation change nearly blew up in his face as the Gunners won 3-2.
Kieran Tierney and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired Arsenal to a big first-half leadCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
Here are how the players at the Emirates for the final Premier League clash of the season according to Isabelle Barker…
Martinez 8
Had no chance of stopping Troy Deeney’s fierce drive from the spot, but shut down TWO brilliant Danny Welbeck strikes in the second-half.
Maitland-Niles 6
Stung the hands of Ben Foster with a fierce drive in the second-half on his weaker left-foot, although it looked off-side.
Holding 5
His noggin stood in the way of a Deeney bullet header early on – not that he knew much about it.
And he whipped in a peach of pass to Lacazette in the first-half.
But at times looked rattled with poor clearances and should have done better when Watford snuck back a second.
Luiz 3
The error-prone Brazilian has given away five penalties in the Premier League this season, the most any player has ever conceded in a single campaign in the competition.
Surely he must be on thin-ice at the Emirates from those worrying stats.
Tierney 6
Wreaked havoc on the left-channel and against the run of play doubled the host’s lead with a tentative left-foot.
It didn’t have much power on it, but it found its way into the far corner, taking a massive deflection along the way.
But the Scot blazed a peach of a chance over the crossbar in the final ten minutes.
Ceballos 7
Once again pulled the strings in midfield, blazed an effort over the bar early on but sharpened up and whipped in gorgeous passes throughout.
It will be a major blow to the North Londoners if he doesn’t extend his loan deal from Real Madrid.
Xhaka 5
Sloppy passing at points and picked up a yellow card for being loose with his tongue at referee Mike Dean. But kept his teammates organised.
Pepe 6
He is still yet to live up to his billing as the club’s most-expensive player – but there were flashes of quality, particularly in the build-up to the host’s second goal.
He broke free on the right and switched the play to Aubameyang at the back post, who laid it back to Tierney.
Willock 3
Lacked creativity, and was largely influential before he was replaced by Kolasinac.
Aubameyang 8
Kept his cool on just 4minutes to put the Gunners ahead and Watford on the cliff edge. And produced a stunning bicycle kick before the break.
It would have taken some effort, but he came within a whisker of clinching the Golden Boot from Vardy.
The Gunners captain is out of contract next year and has yet to commit his future to the club – but once again proved he is virtually irreplaceable.
Lacazette 6
Caused a headache for the visitors in the box early on and won the penalty in the opening seconds – but failed to threaten in the final third.
Made way for Nketiah 10 minutes into the second half, but he is expected to start at Wembley.
SUBS
Nketiah 8
Injected pace and energy into Arteta’s side when he came on.
Should have gone for a shot himself in the final moments, having done all the ground work, but unselfishly squared to Aubameyang.
Kolasinac 6
Outmuscled danger man Welbeck in the closing stages.
Torreira 4
Conceded an unnecessarily foul in a dangerous spot in the edge of the area.
Although the North Londoners had nothing to play for, it could have proved costly for their three points.
Nelson 6
His twinkle toes looked menacing in the box and he put it on a plate for Tierney with ten minutes to go – but the Scot skied it.
He also tested Ben Foster with a decent effort.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
