By Boris Mellor
October 15 2006

A glorious autumn day at,I almost said Highbury, the Emirates. I counted 20 or so banners hanging over the bare concrete balconies, but more are needed. The pre match entertainment was excellent, it consisted of flashing the names of every player who ever played under Wenger on the giant screens.

 This allowed the crowd to judge their favourites. Tony Adams got a massive cheer, as did Bergkamp and Henry. Grimandi got a very good reception. Cole brought the house down, clearly the most hated player, I missed Anelka but I am sure he was not booed as loudly as Mr Tweedy. Campbell got a mixed reception some boos and some cheers, but Vieira, Overmars and Petit were handsomely greeted. Lehmann got a very good reception, but clearly outdone by Seaman.

But the biggest cheers were reserved for Arsene Wenger’s presentation. Fair play to Watford fans who joined in the applause, as Gunners sang "there’s only one Arsene Wenger". The second loudest cheer was for Walcott’s debut.

Watford had been planning for this event for two weeks, unhindered by the international break. They created a high line and committed numbers to attack. This left them vulnerable to counter attack, and in the first ten minutes Arsenal could have been two nil up, but the Watford keeper blocked Henry and Adebayor shots with his legs.

Walcott was somewhat isolated on the wing, but gave some great passes when he got the ball. But it was Rosicky who was the star, the skills and vision were amazing, the crowd adapted the Pires song for him. Indeed he deserved it, but his shooting is not yet as good as Bobby’s.

At times the formation seemed more 4-3-3, with Adebayor lying deeper than Henry or Walcott. Eboue’s overlapping was missed, but Walcott made up for it. Gallas was imaginative and creative, but the team took chances, and often gave Watford too much space. Fortunately Watford’s training had not included shooting practice. Also Djourou did very well by clearing almost off the line. Watford had three chances on target and six off; more than all the previous Premiership visitors put together. It made for a very entertaining game, end to end stuff.

When the break came it was from a high ball into the area, Adebayor glanced the ball towards goal and Watford defender Stewart did the rest.

Meanwhile I had to endure the most banal running commentary from the fan (?) next to me. He could have moaned for England: "Too clever, too slow, not good enough, shoot now, you shouldn’t have shot – pass it, you should have done better, don’t get pushed off the ball (to Walcott), shoot don’t pass it (to Henry as he sets up Adebayor), you didn’t want to do that (made that up, but he was a good impression of Harry Enfield’s father in law). Meanwhile Arsenal were playing the beautiful game, but old know-all was suggesting Wenger should ring the changes after the second half.

Henry must have been as bored with his rantings as I was as he outstripped the Watford defence and only had the keeper to beat for the second goal.

Two nil up before half time – game set and match – Arsenal could now rest on the job ready for the harder task of Moscow on Tuesday. On 66 minutes Henry made the points even more secure as he slipped the ball to Adebayor who calmly slotted home.

Not long after Walcott was substituted by Hleb. The crowd rose for Walcott, except Mr Know – all, for whom Theo had just not been good enough. But more important was the arrival of Clichy on 80 minutes. He made some very robust tackles, showing no fear.

Arsenal had played very well, a few defensive errors need ironing out, but one of the best performances I can remember after the International break. This team is so full of talent and skill, players such as Hleb, Rosicky, Gallas and Rosicky are taking the Gunners to a whole new level. This is the team of all the talents, has it ever been better? Of course it’s all to do, but this team is a real contender. Watford had hoped to catch Arsenal out, and even some Gunners had fears of the usual post break hangover.

A very good sign for an increasingly rosy looking Arsenal future. Could the next ten years be even better?