Player Ratings v Arsenal

Ben Foster

After returning to the side at Liverpool the 23-year-old merely enhanced his growing reputation with another tremendous performance. Kept his side in the contest with a string of fine saves but could do nothing with Robin van Persie's stunning strike seven minutes from time. A minor criticism, some improvement needed with his goal kicking!

Adrian Mariappa

Another who returned to the team at Liverpool and retained his place for this match. Impeccable for most of the time, just once did Tomas Rosicky leave the 20-year-old trailing in his wake. Took up some excellent positions defensively, good in the tackle and passed well when given the opportunity, merely confirmed that he has a fantastic future.

Jordan Stewart

Battled hard against Arsenal's pacey wide men but again his distribution in open play let him down on too many occasions. Corners were delivered more accurately and always posed a threat.

Dan Shittu

Another wholehearted display from Watford's man mountain against a tricky opponent in Emmanuel Adebayor. Turned an ankle late on to leave his manager with a further headache!

Jay DeMerit

The American battled hard as always but was not at his best and at times, the sheer pace of the game seemed to trouble him.

Al Bangura

Strong combative performance from the 18-year-old but dwelt too long on the ball when in possession.

Gavin Mahon

Never say-die performance from the skipper, and fought hard for the cause in the middle of the park, but has he the speed of thought needed to unlock the best Premiership defences?

Hameur Bouazza

A tremendous display on the left flank from the flying Frenchmen. Left Kolo Toure for dead with a wonderful surging run for Watford's goal and remained impressive throughout. His departure with a suspected dislocated shoulder ended the Golden Boys' attacking threat.

Anthony McNamee

Flitted in and out of the game as so often in the past. Has undoubted natural ability and plenty of tricks up his sleeve, but crucially rarely delivers end product!

Ashley Young

A workman like effort by the Stevange born front man. Threatened in the first half and forced Jens Lehmann into one sprawling save but wandered further infield to less effect in the second half as Watford surrendered territorial advantage.

Tommy Smith

Crowned his most impressive display since returning to the club in August with a neat finish to Hamuer Bouazza's teasing cross. Tired late on after running himself into the ground.

Damien Francis

Chosen to replace the unfortunate Bouazza in an attempt to shore up the midfield that was haemorrhaging possession. Tactic worked for a while, but disappointingly never seemed to have enough time on the ball to open up the Arsenal rearguard with a defence splitting pass.

Darius Henderson

Left on the bench through a serious lack of goals, not effort! Replaced the ineffectual McNamee but never looked like breaking his Premiership duck.

Tamas Priskin

No time to make an impression.