Last-gasp win for Arsenal

FT Watford 1 Arsenal 2

Robin van Persie had the last say as Arsenal snatched a narrow 2-1 victory at Barclays Premiership bottom club Watford.

The Hornets had looked set for a hard-earned point until the Dutchman struck with seven minutes remaining.

Gilberto had given the Gunners a first-half lead but that lasted just four minutes before Tommy Smith beat Jens Lehmann to set up a captivating encounter.

Arsenal made a change a minute later, Theo Walcott replacing the disappointing Alexander Hleb, before Fabregas and Clichy both fired good chances over.

Henderson replaced McNamee in the 78th minute before Francis was booked for a raised foot and Julio Baptista replaced Rosicky for Arsenal only to roll a great chance just wide.

Adebayor did likewise but van Persie showed them how it was done in the 83rd minute by latching on to a Walcott through-ball, turning DeMerit in the box and curling past Foster.