Mikel Arteta celebrated his 100th game as Arsenal manager with a 1-0 victory against 10-man Watford as the resurgent Gunners climbed to fifth in the Premier League.
Emile Smith Rowe broke the deadlock in the second half after an inspired performance from Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster had frustrated the hosts, with JurajKucka dismissed late on at the Emirates Stadium.
The three points mean Arsenal, unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions, leapfrog Brighton and Manchester United.
Watford are just two points above the relegation zone after three defeats in four league matches under new boss Claudio Ranieri.
The Gunners last season failed to qualify for Europe for the first time in 26 years but they are now unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions.
The home side thought they had taken a seventh-minute lead when BukayoSaka tucked away a loose ball in the area after Foster parried AlexandreLacazette’s chip.
But the goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR check.
Arsenal were awarded a penalty when former Tottenham defender Danny Rose rashly thrust his arm into Lacazette’s head in the 34th minute.
