Watford’s FA Cup quarter final tie against Arsenal is goalless at the break but there is little doubt the Gunners should be down to ten men at the Emirates.

The two teams have been evenly matched during the opening 45 minutes but a thunderous two-footed challenge from Gabriel on Troy Deeney should’ve seen the Brazilian dismissed. Not even a free-kick was awarded.

There was drama before the game had even begun. Heurelho Gomes was named in goal despite Quique Sanchez Flores stating on Friday that Costel Pantilimon would start.

But then came the news, as the teams lined-up in the tunnel, Pantilimon was starting. An ‘admin error’ on the part of the FA blamed as the reason for the mistake.

There were two further changes to the Watford side. Craig Cathcart returned after injury and Adlene Guedioura was given a surprise start.

As the FA Cup represents Arsenal’s best chance of winning silverware this season, Arsene Wenger named a strong side. And the hosts started brightly.

They had the ball in the net through Olivier Giroud but the goal was ruled out of offside. It was a tight call but the correct one.

Watford’s early forays into the Arsenal half were spearheaded by Odion Ighalo. The Nigerian made promising runs into the area only for the Gunners defence to snuff out the chances.

The flashpoint of the first half came in the 29th minute. A loose pass from Ben Watson saw Deeney chase after the ball.

The Hornets striker and Arsenal defender Gabriel both flew into challenges. Deeney came off worse. Play continued but subsequent replays showed the Brazilian had jumped into the tackle with both feet and studs showing. It was a clear red card. Nothing was given.

From their next attack the Gunners should’ve taken the lead. Mohamed Elneny collected a pass in space in the Watford box but fired a half volley well over.

The Hornets’ threat came on the counter. On two occasions Ighalo broke behind the Gunners defence and tried to tee up Deeney. But his passes were poor and the opportunities were wasted.

Arsenal had the final two chances of the half. Great skill from Mesut Ozil saw him break past Ake. 

The Germany international teed up Campbell who found Elneny on the edge of the box. But, with time, he fired over. 

Campbell then should've broken the deadlock as the ball broke to him 12 yards out but he skied his effort and the contest remained goalless at the break. 

Arsenal: Ospina, Chambers, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Gibbs; Elneny, Coquelin; Campbell, Ozil, Sanchez; Giroud.

Arsenal substitutes: Macey, Bellerin, Monreal, Flamini, Iwobi, Walcott, Welbeck.

Watford: Pantilimon; Nyom, Prödl, Cathcart, Ake; Watson, Behrami; Capoue, Deeney, Guedioura; Ighalo.

Watford substitutes: Gomes, Anya, Suarez, Abdi, Jurado, Amrabat, Oulare.