Watford were winless against Arsenal in the top-flight for nearly 30 years before a midweek game at the Emirates Stadium in 2017 marked a memorable victory.

A deadline-day clash meant the Hornets were busy in other areas that same day; Odion Ighalo had departed for Changchun Yatai that afternoon and M’Baye Niang was signed on loan from AC Milan the day before. Adlene Guedioura, hero of the Golden Boys’ last win over the Gunners, had also departed. Arsenal meanwhile were without Arsene Wenger on the touchline through suspension, but were firm favourites and second in the Premier League table.

Away supporters making the short trip to North London may have had little expectation of a win following a run of seven games without victory, but it wouldn’t take long for the Hornets to believe. A free-kick from range was laid off by Tom Cleverley for Younes Kaboul, who unleashed a rocket, deflecting off Aaron Ramsey and into the bottom corner.

Barely two minutes after the Frenchman put Watford ahead, Kaboul’s compatriot was crucial to a second goal. Etienne Capoue intercepted a long throw-in on the halfway line, coasting past his now-Villarreal teammate Francis Coquelin and driving towards the box. Capoue’s effort was saved by Petr Cech but set up Troy Deeney to tap home the rebound.

It was impressive enough to be two goals ahead after 12 minutes, but now a tougher task would be to maintain that lead. Walter Mazzarri’s side continued to threaten the Gunners’ goal, with Daryl Janmaat’s effort saved, Sebastian Prödl’s header tipped over and Miguel Britos’ attempt blocked by Olivier Giroud.

The second half provided a difficult test for Watford shot-stopper Heurelho Gomes as Arsenal began to grow into the game. The Brazilian saved substitute Theo Walcott’s effort five minutes after the break, and later made a fantastic reaction stop to deny Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian would later get his goal, halving the deficit before the hour mark.

The Hornets frustrated the hosts thanks to some professional defending and heroics from Gomes. Nacho Monreal attempted the spectacular and shot well wide, before Lucas Perez rattled the crossbar with his strike.

Despite Arsenal’s 20 shots, the new-look Watford defended valiantly in their 4-4-2 style and Niang looked a constant threat on the counter-attack.

Victory took Watford up to 13th in the table, in a season where the Hornets secured survival for a second successive campaign. They would register a win over the Gunners again that year, thanks to a last-gasp goal from Tom Cleverley at Vicarage Road during the first half of 2017/18.