Arsene Wenger's men dominated from the off against the Hornets and recorded a comfortable victory to maintain the pressure on both Tottenham and Leicester City

Alexis Sanchez, Alex Iwobi, Hector Bellerin and Theo Walcott were all on the scoresheet as Arsenal comfortably defeated Watford 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Handed a second successive league start after impressing in the 2-0 victory at Everton before the international break, Iwobi set up Alexis's fourth-minute opener before doubling the home side's lead with a first-time finish.

Bellerin added a third goal early in the second half, the full-back's left-footed effort taking a heavy deflection to beat the busy Heurelho Gomes, and Walcott rounded off the scoring as Arsene Wenger's side cut the deficit to leaders Leicester City - who host Southampton on Sunday - down to eight points.

Watford ended their opponents' hopes of a third successive FA Cup triumph with a 2-1 victory at the same ground last month, yet looked to have their upcoming semi-final with Crystal Palace on their minds.

Arsenal had scored just six goals in their last eight home games in all competitions, but they managed two in the first half against opponents who came into the fixture having won only two of their last 13 league outings.

The impressive Iwobi created the first as Arsenal made a perfect start, floating over a cross from the left that Alexis met with a firm header at the far post. Although Gomes kept out the initial effort, the Chilean tucked away the rebound to register his first league goal at the Emirates since October 4.

The same pair combined to get Arsenal’s second in the 38th minute, albeit their roles were reversed.

Alexis provided the assist for his team-mate, making a clever run in behind Watford’s back line on the right flank before cutting back a low cross that Iwobi swept home from a position near the penalty spot.

Sandwiched in between the strikes was a touching round of applause in the seventh minute for former Arsenal player David Rocastle in the week that marked the 15th anniversary of his death.

It took Arsenal all of three minutes to increase the gap to Waford in the second half, full-back Bellerin the benificary of a lucky break off Ben Watson as his volley somehow found a way to the net through a crowded penalty area.

Iwobi was denied his second, and Arsenal's fourth, by the woodwork before being withdrawn to a standing ovation in the 74th minute.

However, another Arsenal goal did arrive before the final whistle, Joel Campbell’s clever work on the left presenting an easy tap-in for fellow substitute Walcott.

Wenger had stated before the game that eight straight wins would see Arsenal have "more than a chance" of winning the title - they can only hope their remaining seven fixtures are as comfortable as this one.

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  The Gunners open April with a commanding victory as they dominate from the start against the Hornets who lose a fourth straight in the league. Arsenal get goals from Sanchez, Iwobi, Bellerin and Walcott as they keep their slim title hopes alive. That's all for our live coverage from the Emirates, thanks for following along! Goodbye.
• 90'+3'

   

  FULL-TIME: ARSENAL 4-0 WATFORD.
• 90'+1'

   

  There will be three minutes added on at the end of this match.
• 90'

   

  Assist Joel Nathaniel Campbell Samuels
  Campbell picks up the assist, serving the ball up on a platter for his fellow substitute.
• 90'

   

   

   

  Goal Theo Walcott
  WALCOTT MAKES IT FOUR! The pace of Campbell down the flank allows him to get beyond Nyom and pull it back into the centre for Walcott who taps it home. It was a lovely run to the near post from Walcott, and an exceptional early ball from Ozil to pick out Campbell.
• 88'

   

  HE HAS TO GO FOR GOAL! Amrabat does so well to float a delivery in towards the far post for Anya, who inexplicably opts to head it back into the centre for Deeney instead of trying to go for goal himself! Arsenal have it covered, and Gabriel prevents it from reaching the striker.
• 86'

   

  GOOD EFFORT! Guediora, who forced Ospina into a save from a free-kick just a minute ago, tries his luck again from distance and makes terrific contact with his effort, but it drifts just beyond the near post!
• 84'

   

  Yellow Card Mohamed El Nenny
  Elneny picks up the first yellow card of the afternoon by a Gunners player as he drags down Deeney in midfield. The Hornets are showing a bit of life, but it's far too late for that now.
• 83'

   

  STAT: Arsenal had won the previous six meetings with Watford before a 1-2 defeat last month in the FA Cup quarter final.
• 81'

   

  With the result settled, Watford are enjoying more time on the ball than they have for the majority of the match. Still, they aren't nearly inquisitive enough in possession, with the Arsenal back-line remaining focused and organised as they try and hold on to the clean sheet.
• 79'

   

  SubstitutionAlexis Alejandro Sánchez Sánchez Joel Nathaniel Campbell Samuels
  The final change for the Gunners sees Alexis Sanchez, the scorer of their opening goal, give way. He is replaced by Joel Campbell for the remainder of the match.
• 76'

   

  The tempo has fizzled out drastically. Arsenal are hardly as keen on trying to add to their lead, while Watford are content on running the remaining time off the clock and getting on the next flight back home.
• 74'

   

  SubstitutionAlex Iwobi Theo Walcott
  The Gunners make their second change as Theo Walcott comes on for Iwobi, who walks off to a standing ovation.
• 73'

   

  STAT: The Gunners have never lost twice at home to Watford in the same season. It is 28 years since they were beaten home and away by the Hornets across all competitions in a single campaign.
• 71'

   

  EXCELLENT SAVE! Deeney takes a pass in the area, using his big frame to turn past Gabriel and curl a shot towards the far post. It's well-struck by the forward, but Ospina is equal to the task, flying through the air to knock it behind!
• 69'

   

  SubstitutionAlmen Abdi Adlène Guédioura
  The Hornets make their final change as Adlene Guedioura comes on for Abdi.
• 69'

   

  SubstitutionDaniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck Olivier Giroud
  Olivier Giroud comes off the bench for Arsenal in place of Danny Welbeck.
• 67'

   

  It has been much of the same for the last couple of minutes. Arsenal have set themselves up so well in the Watford end, it's almost as if they're playing with an extra body. Meanwhile, Wenger is preparing a substitution.
• 65'

   

  The Gunners are shutting up shop. It looks like they're going to try and keep the ball in midfield and play keep-away for the last 25 minutes, with Watford showing little resistance of their own.
• 63'

   

  STAT: Watford have suffered three straight league defeats. They have won just two of their last 13 matches in the division, keeping two clean sheets in that period (W2, D3, L8).
• 61'

   

  Yellow Card Allan Romeo Nyom
  Nyom is subsequently booked for his foul on Ozil.
• 60'

   

  Frustration is starting to set in for Watford. They're having no success whatsoever trying to win the ball back and are struggling to keep the Gunners to the periphery. Nyom essentially kicks out at Ozil in real cynical fashion and he will have to ref to answer to for this one...
• 58'

   

  Watford are essentially chasing shadows in midfield. This is an afternoon for them to forget, coming up against an angry and determined Arsenal side. The Gunners continue to dominate possession and are showing no signs of slowing.
• 56'

   

  Arsenal show their first signs of complacency as Watson's free-kick isn't defended soundly by the Gunners. Deeney meet it with a header at the far post, sending it back in for Prodl, but his header is cleared off the line by Monreal!
• 54'

   

  TWO MORE FOR GOMES! The keeper is having such a busy afternoon! He's thrust into action to deny Ozil a strike from just outside the area, and Arsenal get right back at it following the save, with Sanchez's strike denied by the sprawling Hornets keeper!
• 52'

   

  STAT: Arsenal had scored just six goals in their last eight home games (all comps), averaging 25 shots for each goal scored. The Gunners have averaged nine shots faced for each goal conceded.
• 50'

   

  SHOULD BE FOUR! This is incredible from the Gunners! Another outstanding attack sees Sanchez pick out Iwobi inside the area. The forward uses the run of the Chilean to open up space for a shot, which he rattles off the underside of the bar, before Monreal knocks the rebound onto the roof of the net!
• 48'

   

   

   

  Goal Héctor Bellerín Moruno
  GAME OVER AT THE EMIRATES! Arsenal extend their lead to three! Sanchez heavily involved in the build-up again, as his cross is cleared only partially by Nyom, who sends it straight to Bellerin. The right-back sends a first-time effort at goal which deflects beyond a helpless Gomes.
• 46'

   

  SubstitutionOdion Jude Ighalo Nordin Amrabat
  Ighalo has had a difficult task up top, and he's grown frustrated after 45 minutes. Sensing this, Quique Sanchez Flores has opted to bring on Nordin Amrabat in his place for the second half.
• 46'

   

  Back underway in London!
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  A convincing first half comes to a close as Arsenal enjoy a two-goal lead into the interval thanks to goals from Alexis Sanchez and Alex Iwobi. The Gunners opened the scoring inside five minutes and never looked back, dominating from start to finish as they are headed for a winning start to April.
• 45'+2'

   

  HALF-TIME: ARSENAL 2-0 WATFORD.
• 45'

   

  There will be two minutes added on at the end of this first half.
• 43'

   

  This hasn't gone at all according to script for Watford in this first half, but Arsenal have put in an absolutely flawless performance. There's no fault to be found from this first-half showing, as it has been the ideal way for them to kick-off their final push.
• 41'

   

  SubstitutionEtienne Capoue Ikechi Anya
  Capoue has been playing down the left largely in this first half and has been in over his head. He's replaced by Ikechi Anya.
• 40'

   

  STAT: Arsenal has led at half-time in none of its last 10 matches in all competitions at the Emirates Stadium.
• 38'

   

  Assist Alexis Alejandro Sánchez Sánchez
  It's a lovely pick out from Sanchez, who grabs an assist to go with his goal.
• 38'

   

   

   

  Goal Alex Iwobi
  ARSENAL DOUBLE THEIR LEAD! It's another wonderfully worked goal, but it's almost too easy for them in the end as a result of Watford's negligent defending. Coquelin rolls Sanchez through on the right, and the Chilean picks out Iwobi who sends a first-time effort crashing into the back of the net.
• 35'

   

  Watford have to do a better job of making their limited time in possession count. Arsenal are going to enjoy the bulk of it throughout the match, as they did in their FA Cup defeat, but what the Hornets did so well on that day was make the most of their chances.
• 33'

   

  Play comes to a halt as Gabriel goes down in need of attendance, after taking the brunt of an inadvertent kick from Abdi. Play continued momentarily, and Deeney nearly slid Ighalo through into the area, but Bellerin was able to stretch his leg out and get just enough to knock it away.
• 31'

   

  CATHCART TO THE RESCUE AGAIN! The centre-half has been outstanding in the first half-hour, and there's no telling what the scoreline could be had it not been for his contributions. He's reading play brilliantly and taking up some excellent positions. His latest intervention denies Sanchez a simple tap-in, breaking up Welbeck's pull-back after a tidy one-two with Iwobi.
• 29'

   

  TERRIFIC GOALKEEPING! Ospina comes flying off his line as a ball over the top sends Ighalo through into the area, and the keeper arrives just ahead of the striker to knock it out of harm's way. The flag goes up late anyhow to indicate an offside call, but the replay shows that was the incorrect decision. It would have caused real controversy had Watford scored from that.
• 27'

   

  STAT: Watford have recovered just two points from losing positions in the Premier League this season, the fewest in the division.
• 25'

   

  The reason Arsenal are looking so dangerous on the front foot is that everyone is pulling their weight. Each member of the front four has been contributing, leaving Watford to guess which route the Gunners will take with each attack. A second goal may be enough to put this game to bed before half-time.
• 23'

   

  Smart save! The Guners win a free-kick from 25 yards out, which Sanchez is keen to take. The Chilean lines up a strike and tries to pick out the bottom corner at the near post, getting over the wall and down effectively, but Gomes reads it well in getting across to knock it behind.
• 21'

   

  Arsenal are relentless in their approach! They are often criticised for their inconsistencies under Wenger of late, but the good Gunners side seems to have shown up today. They're a joy to watch as they move the ball fluidly through the midfield. Ozil acts as provider on the latest foray, setting up Welbeck, but the striker's flick is blocked by Cathcart.
• 19'

   

  Watford manage their first attempt on target, with Watson getting down the right and whipping an inviting delivery into the box. It's a real tough task for Deeney to generate any power behind it, however, as Koscielny applies enough pressure, about 15 yards from goal.
• 18'

   

  STAT: Watford scored with their only two shots on target in that 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
• 16'

   

  INCHES WIDE! Another exceptional move down the right, with Sanchez heavily involved yet again, sees Welbeck's run picked out at the near post, but his first-time effort deflect just beyond the woodwork and into the side-netting!
• 14'

   

  OUTSTANDING SAVE! Gomes does so well to react to get a hand to Iwobi's impressive effort and knock it over the bar. Arsenal's approach play has been excellent thus far and Watford have been unable to slow them down.
• 12'

   

  Close to a second! Coquelin sprays a great ball forward for Sanchez, who skips into the final third before picking out Welbeck inside the area. The striker has a clean sight at goal, but Cathcart is just able to recover and do enough to take the sting out of the shot!
• 10'

   

  Watford seem to have weathered the early Arsenal storm, though they've already dug themselves a hole. They enjoy their first real spell in possession in the attacking half, with Watson keen to get on the ball as much as possible, but a fine tackle from Bellerin sends the ball behind off Ake for a goal-kick.
• 8'

   

  STAT: Arsenal have lost three competitive home games in a row. They haven’t lost four in a row on home turf since December 1959.
• 6'

   

  The noise level in the Emirates is off the charts, and the Sanchez goal is following by a touching tribute for the late David Rocastle. Watford are in over their heads at the moment, looking nothing like the side that won here just a few weeks ago.
• 4'

   

   

   

  Goal Alexis Alejandro Sánchez Sánchez
  GUNNERS LEAD INSIDE FIVE MINUTES! It's nothing less than they deserve, either, given how they've started. Iwobi is the provider this time, sending a teasing cross in for Sanchez. The Chilean sees his header stopped by Gomes, but is able to convert on the follow-up!
• 3'

   

  Impressive start from the Gunners who have yet to relenquish possession. They've firmly parked themselves in the Watford half, and a terrific cross in from Sanchez nearly sets up Welbeck for a free header, but Cathcart is able to get enough on his intervention to divert it away from the striker.
• 1'

   

  Underway at the Emirates!
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  Sebastian Prodl returns for the Hornets, partnering Craig Cathcart in defence at the expense of Miguel Britos, who is dropped to the bench. Quique Sanchez Flores makes two other changes following their defeat to Stoke City, with Ben Watson and Etienne Capoue replacing Jose Jurado and Valon Behrami (illness) in midfield. Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo continue their impressive partnership in attack.
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  Petr Cech was making a late push to start, as were Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky who both returned to training this week, but in the end Arsene Wenger names an unchanged starting line-up from their 2-0 victory at Goodison Park. Danny Welbeck leades the line, flanked by Alex Iwobi and Alexis Sanchez, with Mesut Ozil in the number 10 role. Mohamed Elneny and Francis Coquelin form a partnership in midfield, in front of a back-line of Hector Bellerin, Gabriel, Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal.
•  

   

  SUBS: Britos, Jurado, Amrabat, Guedioura, Pantilimon, Berghuis, Anya.
•  

   

  WATFORD (4-4-2): Gomes; Nyom, Cathcart, Prodl, Ake; Watson, Suarez, Capoue, Abdi; Ighalo, Deeney.
•  

   

  SUBS: Gibbs, Mertesacker, Giroud, Walcott, Chambers, Campbell, Cech.
•  

   

  ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Elneny, Coquelin; Sanchez, Ozil, Iwobi; Welbeck.
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  CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS:
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  Watford exceeded all expectations in the first half of the season, and as a result they shouldn’t be in any danger of being relegated – it’s a good thing for them too, because since Christmas they’ve been playing much like a bottom three side. They also have the luxury of being able to focus all their efforts on winning the FA Cup, of which they will be playing in the semi-finals at the end of the month. They are poised to take on Crystal Palace, who have struggled even more in 2016. The stars may just be aligning for the Hornets, who will do their best to play spoiler in the league until then.
•  

   

  Hello and welcome to live coverage from the Emirates as Arsenal hope to jump-start an improbable last-ditch run at the title when they play host to Watford. Revenge will be in the minds of the Gunners, who were bounced by the Hornets in the last-eight of the FA Cup in March. Arsene Wenger’s side have been in a poor run of form, but got a bit of confidence back in the last game before the international break. They sit 11-points back of Leicester, with a game in hand, but it would take a perfect end to the season for them to even have a slight chance at the title. Their main concern will be fending off those below them and ensuring another top-three finish and an automatic berth in the Champions League.