Watford were left humbled 3-1 by Arsenal yesterday, despite looking the better side for long periods at Vicarage Road.

In the end, the Hornets' were in trouble from the moment referee Kevin Friend - who did not enamour himself to the home crowd - awarded Alexis Sanchez an ninth-minute penalty.

After Santi Cazorla had converted, Sanchez turned goalscorer five minutes before the break and Mezut Ozil ended the match as a contest in injury time.

Watford had only substitute Roberto Pereyra's second-half strike to show for their performance, despite controlling the game for significant spells in either half - and defensive lapses probed the difference on the day.

Here's how we rated Walter Mazzarri's charges at Vicarage Road:

Heurelho Gomes - 7

Left exposed by his defence for the goals and thwarted Walcott and others to keep them from extending Arsenal's lead. As assured as he has looked so far this year.

Sebastian Prodl - 6

Froze, like his team-mates, for Arsenal's second and the three at the back did similar as Ozil ran through for the third. Difficult to single him out as individually culpable for any of the Arsenal goals, and tried - in vain - to clear the second off the line.

Younes Kaboul - 5

Beaten in a footrace by Sanchez for Arsenal's second, and like others must take some flak for the back three's fragility. Was slow to react to a few moments like Santi Cazorla's cross-cum-shot early on. Will improve.

Christian Kabasele - 6

Has to take responsibility alongside his defensive team-mates for some shoddy defending for Arsenal's second and third goals, but used his physicality to good effect and could have drawn them level from a good header.

Harrow Times:

Amrabat takes on Santi Cazorla. Picture: Action Images

Nordin Amrabat - 6

Watford's most effective attacking player overall; what he is not, though, is a wing-back. Arsenal exploited his side throughout the first half, and got their reward through the third goal but could have had at least one more. Clumsily gave the early penalty away too, but did provide the Hornets' best deliveries by far.

Etienne Capoue - 7

Another strong performance at the heart of the midfield, and could have had a third goal in three league games in the build-up to Roberto Pereyra's strike. Not as effective as in the previous two games, but as industrious and committed as ever.

Adlene Guedioura - 6

Hooked at half-time, perhaps unsurprisingly, having again been asked to perform a role he won't ever flourish in. Not a Premier League creative midfielder.

Valon Behrami - 6

Generally restricted Arsenal through the middle fairly well, and as with Chelsea, most of their attacks were from out wide. Sitting at the base of the midfield he should probably have been the one to track Mezut Ozil's run from deep for the Gunners' third.

Jose Holebas - 6

Did not offer the same attacking threat as Amrabat, the highlight probably a half chance for Deeney before the break. Left Kabasele in two minds for Walcott's run when Arsenal scored their second when he completely missed his challenge and was caught out a few more times too. Marked up a point for excellent effort late on.

Harrow Times:

Ighalo is thwarted by Petr Cech. Picture: Action Images

Odion Ighalo - 7

Unlucky not to score with a technically good bicycle kick and could have had a couple more. Looks to be getting back to form, and perhaps Tuesday night's goal has upped his confidence. Did waste one good opportunity with an awful first touch.

Troy Deeney - 6

Far more involved than he was against Chelsea, and provided some nice build-up play. A little bit slow to get into the box considering the amount of chances that came from wide positions.

Substitutes

Harrow Times:

Pereyra reduces the defecit. Picture: Action Images

Roberto Pereyra (for Guedioura, 46) - 8

All energy 45 minutes from the new man, with a bag of tricks and some excellent movement. Played as more of a box-to-box midfielder than number 10, and his first touch for his goal afforded him the chance to pick his spot.

Daryl Janmaat (for Kabasele, 52) - 7

Slotted straight in on the right of defence as Watford changed to a four upon his arrival, and provided the cross which eventually led to their goal.

Isaac Success (for Amrabat, 77) - N/A