Arsenal moved into the Premier League top four, but made hard work of seeing off 10-man Watford 1-0 thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's fortunate early opener Monday. Aubameyang profited from an error by Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster as he blasted an attempted clearance in off the Gabon international. Watford captain Troy Deeney was then shown a straight red card after just 11 minutes, but the Gunners failed to make the most of their man advantage and were fortunate as the hosts twice hit the woodwork. However, Unai Emery's men held out for a first clean sheet away from home in the Premier League this season to move ahead of Chelsea on goal difference into fourth. "We didn't control the match like I wanted," admitted Emery. "The team was anxious because they could (have) taken some moment. The most important for us is to score the second goal, which we didn't do." Arsenal also edge to within a point of north London rivals Tottenham and two clear of Manchester United in the four-way battle for the two remaining Champions League places behind Liverpool and Manchester City. FA Cup finalists Watford was already shorn of the man who helped book its place at Wembley against Manchester City next month as Gerard Deulofeu missed out through injury and Javi Gracia's side did itself little favors early on. Firstly, Foster dallied as Aubameyang closed in to concede a comical opener. "I've said sorry to the lads," said Foster. "I have tried to drag it on to my left and pass it out but before I knew it he (Aubameyang) was bloody on me. "In hindsight you have to get rid as quick as you can, even if it goes into row Z. "I am definitely not a modern goalie. They can't score from row Z." And within seconds, Deeney was punished for what the referee saw as an elbow into the face of Lucas Torreira. "If it is a foul I have a doubt, maybe a yellow card but (a) red card, I don't understand why the referee did it," argued Watford boss Javi Gracia. Real disappoints again Real Madrid took the Monday night slot reserved for La Liga's lower teams and never really looked out of place as Karim Benzema's goal was enough only for a 1-1 draw away to Leganes. Madrid delivered another thoroughly underwhelming performance at Butarque to remain 13 points adrift of Barcelona, with Zinedine Zidane's second reign as coach now delivering three wins, one defeat and a draw. Leganes might even have won it after Jonathan Silva gave them the lead shortly before half-time and while Benzema scored his 26th goal of the season, Madrid never looked like finding a winner. "It looks like we do not have much confidence," Zidane said. "We have to give a little bit more." Instead, they sit four points behind Atletico Madrid and finishing second, and above their city rivals, appears unlikely. Leganes climbed to 11th. Zidane was asked last month about the humiliation of playing on a Monday night, the time typically reserved for La Liga's sides not involved in European competitions and so unpopular that it will be abolished next season. It meant as Barcelona were preparing to face Manchester United in the Champions League quarterfinals Tuesday, Real Madrid stepped out looking to salvage only pride and, perhaps, momentum ahead of what most expect to be a busy summer. Most of Zidane's press conferences have so far been dominated by questions about his players' futures and on this evidence, few will be feeling secure. Benzema has been, by a distance, Madrid's most consistent player this season and he showed again why Zidane has already said the striker will stay. Gareth Bale, meanwhile, was left on the bench for the second time in three matches, with his prospects looking ever-more bleak. "Today I wanted to make a change," Zidane said. "It is done." — Agencies
