Troy Deeney: Arsenal lacked 'cojones' in defeat at Watford
ByPA Sport
Updated 15/10/2017 at 10:25 GMT
Arsenal's heart for the battle has been questioned once more after Watford's Troy Deeney explained his side's come-from-behind win against them.
Hector Bellerin (2R) and Per Mertesacker of Arsenal (L) battle with Troy Deeney (R) and Richarlison de Andrade of Watford (2L) during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on October 14, 2017 in Watford, England
Image credit: Getty Images
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was left blaming a penalty - converted by Deeney - after Watford came from 1-0 down to triumph 2-1 at Vicarage Road.
But Deeney did not subscribe to Wenger's view and felt basic physicality had spurred his side - something Arsenal are often accused of being unable to deal with.
Speaking to BT Sport, Deeney said: "I've heard Wenger's already blaming (the decision) as the reason why they lost.
"I'm not going to be the one to tell Mr Wenger about himself, but there's a reason why they lost and it wasn't because of one penalty.
I'll have to watch what I say. It's (having) a bit of cojones, a bit of nuts.
Deeney went on to say that by making his presence felt amongst the Arsenal players, he is able to work out which of them are committed to the battle.
He added: "Whenever I play Arsenal, I'll go up and think, 'Let me whack the first one and see who wants it'.
"I came on today (Saturday) and jumped with (Per) Mertesacker. I didn't even have to jump, actually - I nodded it down. The crowd gets up - 'Yeah, we've got somebody who can win it' - and they all just backed off.
"For me as a player I just think, 'Happy days'. That's my strength. I know I'm not technically gifted like they are, not as quick, but if you want to fight with me, I'm gonna beat you all day."
Martin Keown, interviewing Deeney and a former Arsenal defender noted for his commitment, said his "blood would be boiling" if he were a current player listening to Deeney's analysis.
Deeney is not the first person to question Arsenal. Earlier this season, former England defender and current pundit Gary Neville said they "deserved a battering" during a dismal loss at Liverpool, calling the attitude of a number of key players "disgraceful".
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