Koscielny's rebellion adds to Emery's worries in Arsneal's pre-season preparation

Liverpool's Sadio Mane and Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang both scored twice on the final Sunday to share the Premier League's Golden Boot award for top scorer with last season's winner Mohamed Salah.

The achievement of the three African strikers left Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp especially proud as he has played such an important part in the development of the trio's careers.

They all ended on 22 goals for the league campaign after Senegalese forward Mane scored twice in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers to join his Egyptian teammate Salah.

Arsenal's Gabonese forward Aubameyang followed his midweek Europa League semi-final hat-trick in Valencia with a second-half double that helped the Gunners to a 3-1 win at Burnley.

Though Mane and Salah's 44 goals proved in vain for Klopp as his side lost out on the league title to Manchester City, who won 4-1 at Brighton &amp; Hove Albion, he had reason to smile.

"Auba too?" said the German, on learning that Aubameyang, his former signing at Borussia Dortmund, shared the accolade.

"Do they have three boots? It is good. They are all my players."

The 22-goal winning mark was the lowest since the 2010-11 season when Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov and Manchester City's Carlos Tevez shared the Golden Boot with 20 goals apiece.

Aubameyang was delighted over the trio's African connection, saying: "I share this trophy with two other guys I like, great players and African. We are representing Africa, that's cool."

Salah, who had scored 32 goals last season, was not as prolific this term as in his record-breaking 2017-18 campaign but both he and Mane finished a goal ahead of champions Manchester City's top marksman Sergio Aguero.

Of course, the Argentine, who matched Thierry Henry in scoring 20 or more goals in five straight seasons in the Premier League era, probably netted the most crucial goal with his equaliser at Brighton that set City on course for the title.

Liverpool's Sadio Mane and Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang both scored twice on the final Sunday to share the Premier League's Golden Boot award for top scorer with last season's winner Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool's Sadio Mane and Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang both scored twice on the final Sunday to share the Premier League's Golden Boot award for top scorer with last season's winner Mohamed Salah. The achievement of the three African strikers left Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp especially proud as he has played such an important part in the development of the trio's careers. They all ended on 22 goals for the league campaign after Senegalese forward Mane scored twice in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers to join his Egyptian teammate Salah. Arsenal's Gabonese forward Aubameyang followed his midweek Europa League semi-final hat-trick in Valencia with a second-half double that helped the Gunners to a 3-1 win at Burnley. Though Mane and Salah's 44 goals proved in vain for Klopp as his side lost out on the league title to Manchester City, who won 4-1 at Brighton & Hove Albion, he had reason to smile. "Auba too?" said the German, on learning that Aubameyang, his former signing at Borussia Dortmund, shared the accolade. "Do they have three boots? It is good. They are all my players." The 22-goal winning mark was the lowest since the 2010-11 season when Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov and Manchester City's Carlos Tevez shared the Golden Boot with 20 goals apiece. Aubameyang was delighted over the trio's African connection, saying: "I share this trophy with two other guys I like, great players and African. We are representing Africa, that's cool." Salah, who had scored 32 goals last season, was not as prolific this term as in his record-breaking 2017-18 campaign but both he and Mane finished a goal ahead of champions Manchester City's top marksman Sergio Aguero. Of course, the Argentine, who matched Thierry Henry in scoring 20 or more goals in five straight seasons in the Premier League era, probably netted the most crucial goal with his equaliser at Brighton that set City on course for the title.

Liverpool's Mane, Salah share Golden Boot with Arsenal's Aubameyang

Arsenal boosted their hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League after a bizarre 10th-minute goal by striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave them a 1-0 win at 10-man Watford on Monday.

The result lifted the Gunners two places up to fourth on 66 points from 33 games, one behind third-placed Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal are ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea, who have played a game more, on goal difference. Watford stayed 10th with 46 points.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery was pleased with his team's first away clean sheet of the season.

"A clean sheet is very important," he told the BBC. "It is going to give us a lot of information, this match."

The fast-paced clash took a decisive turn in a frantic one-minute spell early on, as Aubameyang found the back of the net in unlikely fashion before Watford striker Troy Deeney was shown a straight red card for elbowing Lucas Torreira.

The home side's goalkeeper Ben Foster dwelled on Daryl Janmaat's back pass for too long, allowing Aubameyang to close him down and block his attempted goalmouth clearance as the ball ricocheted into the back of the net.

Foster made no excuses for his howler.

"I've said sorry to the lads," he said. "I tried to drag it on to my left and pass it out but before I knew it Aubameyang was bloody on me. He is too quick. In hindsight you have to get rid (of the ball) as quick as you can, even if it goes into row Z."

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Watford kept pressing and missed a string of chances to draw level, having twice been denied by the woodwork as well as by some good saves from Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno.

The home side missed their best opportunity in the 80th minute when Arsenal substitute Ainsley Maitland-Niles slid in to block Andre Gray's goal-bound effort after the Watford forward rounded Leno.

Aubameyang, Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan also came close at the other end but Arsenal were forced to hang on in the closing stages with Watford throwing men forward.

The home team's manager Javi Gracia praised his team for their fighting spirit in the face of adversity.

"We did a lot of things to try to win, a big effort," he said. "We didn't get any points but we played well. It was a difficult game with 10 men."

Arsenal boosted their hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League after a bizarre 10th-minute goal by striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave them a 1-0 win at 10-man Watford on Monday.

Arsenal boosted their hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League after a bizarre 10th-minute goal by striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave them a 1-0 win at 10-man Watford on Monday. The result lifted the Gunners two places up to fourth on 66 points from 33 games, one behind third-placed Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal are ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea, who have played a game more, on goal difference. Watford stayed 10th with 46 points. Arsenal manager Unai Emery was pleased with his team's first away clean sheet of the season. "A clean sheet is very important," he told the BBC. "It is going to give us a lot of information, this match." The fast-paced clash took a decisive turn in a frantic one-minute spell early on, as Aubameyang found the back of the net in unlikely fashion before Watford striker Troy Deeney was shown a straight red card for elbowing Lucas Torreira. The home side's goalkeeper Ben Foster dwelled on Daryl Janmaat's back pass for too long, allowing Aubameyang to close him down and block his attempted goalmouth clearance as the ball ricocheted into the back of the net. Foster made no excuses for his howler. "I've said sorry to the lads," he said. "I tried to drag it on to my left and pass it out but before I knew it Aubameyang was bloody on me. He is too quick. In hindsight you have to get rid (of the ball) as quick as you can, even if it goes into row Z." Despite their numerical disadvantage, Watford kept pressing and missed a string of chances to draw level, having twice been denied by the woodwork as well as by some good saves from Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno. The home side missed their best opportunity in the 80th minute when Arsenal substitute Ainsley Maitland-Niles slid in to block Andre Gray's goal-bound effort after the Watford forward rounded Leno. Aubameyang, Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan also came close at the other end but Arsenal were forced to hang on in the closing stages with Watford throwing men forward. The home team's manager Javi Gracia praised his team for their fighting spirit in the face of adversity. "We did a lot of things to try to win, a big effort," he said. "We didn't get any points but we played well. It was a difficult game with 10 men."

Freakish goal gives Arsenal 1-0 win at 10-man Watford

Forwards Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have again made the shortlist for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) player of the year award, the second year running the trio have battled it out for the prestigious prize.

Egypt striker Salah claimed the honour last year and will be favourite again, hoping to become the fourth player to win back-to-back titles after Senegal forward El Hadji Diouf, Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure.

Liverpool team mate Mane from Senegal has been getting closer to the prize after finishing third in the voting in 2016 and second last year.

Gabon forward Aubameyang made the final three for the fifth time in succession, equalling the record set by Toure and former Ghana international midfielder Michael Essien.

His only victory came in 2015 when he beat Toure and Ghanaian Andre Ayew to the prize.

The award is voted for by the national team coaches and captains of CAF's 56 member associations and the winner for 2018 will be announced in Dakar, Senegal on Jan. 8.

Forwards Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have again made the shortlist for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) player of the year award, the second year running the trio have battled it out for the prestigious prize.

Forwards Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have again made the shortlist for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) player of the year award, the second year running the trio have battled it out for the prestigious prize. Egypt striker Salah claimed the honour last year and will be favourite again, hoping to become the fourth player to win back-to-back titles after Senegal forward El Hadji Diouf, Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure. Liverpool team mate Mane from Senegal has been getting closer to the prize after finishing third in the voting in 2016 and second last year. Gabon forward Aubameyang made the final three for the fifth time in succession, equalling the record set by Toure and former Ghana international midfielder Michael Essien. His only victory came in 2015 when he beat Toure and Ghanaian Andre Ayew to the prize. The award is voted for by the national team coaches and captains of CAF's 56 member associations and the winner for 2018 will be announced in Dakar, Senegal on Jan. 8.

Salah, Mane and Aubameyang make shortlist for African player of the year

Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shot to the top of the Premier League scoring charts with two goals in Saturday's 3-1 home win over struggling Burnley, returning his side to winning ways after two straight defeats.

The Gabon forward gave Arsenal the lead in the 14th minute, knocking in a pass from Sead Kolasinac after a classy ball from Mesut Ozil. He then smashed high into the net in the 48th to complete an impressive counter-attack from Unai Emery's side.

Burnley, 18th in the table and without an away win since September, hit back with a scrappy goal from Ashley Barnes having spurned a good chance to take an unlikely lead at the start of the game when Ashley Westwood was denied by the feet of Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Substitute Alex Iwobi restored Arsenal's two-goal cushion with a simple finish in stoppage-time, helped by another clever move from German playmaker Ozil, who was left out of the team for Wednesday's 2-0 League Cup defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.

Aubameyang's brace moved him on to 12 goals for the season, leapfrogging Liverpool's Mohamed Salah as the league's top scorer and taking fifth-placed Arsenal on to 37 points, level with Chelsea who play Leicester City later.

Arsenal's 22-game unbeaten run in all competitions was halted on Sunday with a 3-2 defeat at Southampton and they were knocked out of the League Cup at the quarter-final stage with a painful home loss to north London neighbours Tottenham.

Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shot to the top of the Premier League scoring charts with two goals in Saturday's 3-1 home win over struggling Burnley, returning his side to winning ways after two straight defeats.

Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shot to the top of the Premier League scoring charts with two goals in Saturday's 3-1 home win over struggling Burnley, returning his side to winning ways after two straight defeats. The Gabon forward gave Arsenal the lead in the 14th minute, knocking in a pass from Sead Kolasinac after a classy ball from Mesut Ozil. He then smashed high into the net in the 48th to complete an impressive counter-attack from Unai Emery's side. Burnley, 18th in the table and without an away win since September, hit back with a scrappy goal from Ashley Barnes having spurned a good chance to take an unlikely lead at the start of the game when Ashley Westwood was denied by the feet of Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Substitute Alex Iwobi restored Arsenal's two-goal cushion with a simple finish in stoppage-time, helped by another clever move from German playmaker Ozil, who was left out of the team for Wednesday's 2-0 League Cup defeat by Tottenham Hotspur. Aubameyang's brace moved him on to 12 goals for the season, leapfrogging Liverpool's Mohamed Salah as the league's top scorer and taking fifth-placed Arsenal on to 37 points, level with Chelsea who play Leicester City later. Arsenal's 22-game unbeaten run in all competitions was halted on Sunday with a 3-2 defeat at Southampton and they were knocked out of the League Cup at the quarter-final stage with a painful home loss to north London neighbours Tottenham.

Aubameyang brace gives Arsenal win over Burnley

Lucas Torreira scored with a bicycle kick in the 82nd minute to earn Arsenal a 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town in a scrappy Premier League game on Saturday.

The Uruguayan leapt to volley the ball from a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pass across the face of goal, securing all three points for the Gunners who otherwise only distinguished themselves by having three players booked for diving.

The first half was a comedy of errors for Arsenal, with strikers Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette missing clear scoring opportunities and midfield lynchpin Granit Xhaka frequently passing the ball straight to the opposition.

Referee Paul Tierney dished out seven yellow cards in the half, and nine in the whole match. Arsenal's Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi and Matteo Guendouzi were all booked for simulation.

Lacazette appeared to break the stalemate just before halftime, latching on to a sloppy backpass and sidestepping keeper Jonas Lossl to slot the ball into the net, only to be ruled offside. Lossl then tipped a Torreira shot from outside the area just over the bar.

Huddersfield, who have not beaten Arsenal since 1971, were unable to register a shot on goal.

In the end, it fell to a moment of acrobatics from the little Uruguayan to rob the visitors of a much-needed point.

Arsenal climbed to third in the table ahead of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur's matches later on Saturday, while Huddersfield slipped back into the relegation zone, in 18th place.

Lucas Torreira scored with a bicycle kick in the 82nd minute to earn Arsenal a 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town in a scrappy Premier League game on Saturday. The Uruguayan leapt to volley the ball from a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pass across the face of goal, securing all three points for the Gunners who otherwise only distinguished themselves by having three players booked for diving.

Lucas Torreira scored with a bicycle kick in the 82nd minute to earn Arsenal a 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town in a scrappy Premier League game on Saturday. The Uruguayan leapt to volley the ball from a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pass across the face of goal, securing all three points for the Gunners who otherwise only distinguished themselves by having three players booked for diving. The first half was a comedy of errors for Arsenal, with strikers Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette missing clear scoring opportunities and midfield lynchpin Granit Xhaka frequently passing the ball straight to the opposition. Referee Paul Tierney dished out seven yellow cards in the half, and nine in the whole match. Arsenal's Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi and Matteo Guendouzi were all booked for simulation. Lacazette appeared to break the stalemate just before halftime, latching on to a sloppy backpass and sidestepping keeper Jonas Lossl to slot the ball into the net, only to be ruled offside. Lossl then tipped a Torreira shot from outside the area just over the bar. Huddersfield, who have not beaten Arsenal since 1971, were unable to register a shot on goal. In the end, it fell to a moment of acrobatics from the little Uruguayan to rob the visitors of a much-needed point. Arsenal climbed to third in the table ahead of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur's matches later on Saturday, while Huddersfield slipped back into the relegation zone, in 18th place.

Arsenal beat Huddersfield after Lucas Torreira's stunning goal

Arsenal&nbsp;substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice in three minutes and captain Mesut Ozil played a starring role as they extended their winning run with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League on Monday.

Substitute Aubameyang was in the right place to tap into an empty net in the 63rd minute to give Arsenal&nbsp;the lead and was on hand to finish a team move in the 66th that was orchestrated by Ozil, who had scored their first goal to put them level.

Arsenal&nbsp;stretched their winning streak in all competitions to 10 games and rose to fourth with 21 points from nine games, two points behind Manchester City and Liverpool and level with third-placed Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in fifth.

After falling behind to a Hector Bellerin own goal just past the half-hour mark,&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;grew into the game and midfielder Ozil stroked in an equaliser off the post just before halftime.

Ozil, who was skipper for the night, hit a left-footed first-time shot past goalkeeper Kaspar Schmeichel after surging from the halfway line and exchanging passes with Bellerin.

The German was at the heart of&nbsp;Arsenal's third goal too, sparking the move with a flicked backheel, then dummying a pass before continuing his run to receive a first-time ball from Alexandre Lacazette before dinking it over the onrushing Schmeichel to leave Aubameyang with the simplest of finishes.

Ozil tweeted that&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;had played "sexy" football and that he was proud to be captain. Manager Unai Emery agreed with the assessment of the performance but said the midfielder could lead the team by example even when he does not wear the armband.

"From Mesut Ozil today, it's a very good performance," Emery said. "I think he can play very much with this commitment, behaviour, also with his quality, (as) captain or not captain."

Leicester had started stronger at The Emirates and wing-back Ben Chilwell forced the opening goal when his cross deflected off Bellerin into the&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;net in the 31st minute.

They could also have had a penalty after&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;centre-back Rob Holding handled the ball seconds after being booked.

"For me it was a penalty and a sending off," said Leicester manager Claude Puel. "At this moment, with our domination in the game, we could have continued our performance, this great performance, 11 against 10."

Arsenal's next game is at Crystal Palace on Sunday, after they play Sporting in the Europa League in Lisbon on Thursday, while Leicester City will host West Ham United on Saturday.

Arsenal substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice in three minutes and captain Mesut Ozil played a starring role as they extended their winning run with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League on Monday.

Arsenal substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice in three minutes and captain Mesut Ozil played a starring role as they extended their winning run with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League on Monday. Substitute Aubameyang was in the right place to tap into an empty net in the 63rd minute to give Arsenal the lead and was on hand to finish a team move in the 66th that was orchestrated by Ozil, who had scored their first goal to put them level. Arsenal stretched their winning streak in all competitions to 10 games and rose to fourth with 21 points from nine games, two points behind Manchester City and Liverpool and level with third-placed Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in fifth. After falling behind to a Hector Bellerin own goal just past the half-hour mark, Arsenal grew into the game and midfielder Ozil stroked in an equaliser off the post just before halftime. Ozil, who was skipper for the night, hit a left-footed first-time shot past goalkeeper Kaspar Schmeichel after surging from the halfway line and exchanging passes with Bellerin. The German was at the heart of Arsenal's third goal too, sparking the move with a flicked backheel, then dummying a pass before continuing his run to receive a first-time ball from Alexandre Lacazette before dinking it over the onrushing Schmeichel to leave Aubameyang with the simplest of finishes. Ozil tweeted that Arsenal had played "sexy" football and that he was proud to be captain. Manager Unai Emery agreed with the assessment of the performance but said the midfielder could lead the team by example even when he does not wear the armband. "From Mesut Ozil today, it's a very good performance," Emery said. "I think he can play very much with this commitment, behaviour, also with his quality, (as) captain or not captain." Leicester had started stronger at The Emirates and wing-back Ben Chilwell forced the opening goal when his cross deflected off Bellerin into the Arsenal net in the 31st minute. They could also have had a penalty after Arsenal centre-back Rob Holding handled the ball seconds after being booked. "For me it was a penalty and a sending off," said Leicester manager Claude Puel. "At this moment, with our domination in the game, we could have continued our performance, this great performance, 11 against 10." Arsenal's next game is at Crystal Palace on Sunday, after they play Sporting in the Europa League in Lisbon on Thursday, while Leicester City will host West Ham United on Saturday.

Aubameyang and Ozil inspire Arsenal comeback against Leicester

Arsenal broke down a determined Everton defence to win 2-0 on Sunday, with second-half goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang giving the Gunners their fourth straight Premier League victory.

Everton had created most of the early chances as they looked for their first victory at Arsenal since January 1996.

Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both fired in a number of shots, the Brazilian in particular leaving Gunners defender Hector Bellerin in his wake repeatedly as he turned and darted towards goal. But both were unable to beat Arsenal keeper Petr Cech, who was determined to register his side's first clean sheet of the season.&nbsp;

Late in the half, Everton defender Lucas Digne also went close, whipping in a free kick from just outside the area that Cech deftly tipped back over the bar.

Arsenal by contrast seemed to lack a finishing touch despite having two-thirds of the possession, with striker Lacazette often failing to control the ball when passed to.

The Frenchman found his feet just short of the hour mark, however, running in from the left before elegantly curling the ball into the far corner just beyond the reach of outstretched England keeper Jordan Pickford.

Gabon international Aubameyang doubled the lead two minutes later from what appeared to be an offside position, sending Pickford the wrong way from close range.

"A big thanks to Petr Cech because he took a lot of balls today and we won our first clean sheet," Lacazette told Sky Sports.&nbsp;

The win pushes the Gunners up to sixth in the table with 12 points, six points adrift of leaders Liverpool, while the Toffees stay in 12th place with six points.

Arsenal broke down a determined Everton defence to win 2-0 on Sunday, with second-half goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang giving the Gunners their fourth straight Premier League victory.

Arsenal broke down a determined Everton defence to win 2-0 on Sunday, with second-half goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang giving the Gunners their fourth straight Premier League victory. Everton had created most of the early chances as they looked for their first victory at Arsenal since January 1996. Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both fired in a number of shots, the Brazilian in particular leaving Gunners defender Hector Bellerin in his wake repeatedly as he turned and darted towards goal. But both were unable to beat Arsenal keeper Petr Cech, who was determined to register his side's first clean sheet of the season. Late in the half, Everton defender Lucas Digne also went close, whipping in a free kick from just outside the area that Cech deftly tipped back over the bar. Arsenal by contrast seemed to lack a finishing touch despite having two-thirds of the possession, with striker Lacazette often failing to control the ball when passed to. The Frenchman found his feet just short of the hour mark, however, running in from the left before elegantly curling the ball into the far corner just beyond the reach of outstretched England keeper Jordan Pickford. Gabon international Aubameyang doubled the lead two minutes later from what appeared to be an offside position, sending Pickford the wrong way from close range. "A big thanks to Petr Cech because he took a lot of balls today and we won our first clean sheet," Lacazette told Sky Sports. The win pushes the Gunners up to sixth in the table with 12 points, six points adrift of leaders Liverpool, while the Toffees stay in 12th place with six points.

Lacazette, Aubameyang help Arsenal edge past Everton

Arsenal eased their way past Watford 3-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, marking their first clean sheet in 12 league matches and settling nerves at the Emirates after a string of losses in 2018.

A first-half header from Shkodran Mustafi and second-half strikes from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan sealed the win for the Gunners.

Watford won a penalty when Arsenal&#39;s Ainsley Maitland-Niles was deemed to have brought down Roberto Pereyra, but Petr Cech got his fingertips to Troy Deeney&#39;s spot kick, nudging the ball onto the post and back out to roars of approval from the home crowd.

The win leaves Arsenal 10 points off Champions League qualification in sixth place in the standings, while Watford stay in 10th.

A first-half header from Shkodran Mustafi and second-half strikes from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan sealed the win for the Gunners

Arsenal eased their way past Watford 3-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, marking their first clean sheet in 12 league matches and settling nerves at the Emirates after a string of losses in 2018. A first-half header from Shkodran Mustafi and second-half strikes from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan sealed the win for the Gunners. Watford won a penalty when Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles was deemed to have brought down Roberto Pereyra, but Petr Cech got his fingertips to Troy Deeney's spot kick, nudging the ball onto the post and back out to roars of approval from the home crowd. The win leaves Arsenal 10 points off Champions League qualification in sixth place in the standings, while Watford stay in 10th.

EPL: Arsenal beat Watford 3-0 for first clean sheet in 12 league matches

A hat-trick by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic&#39;s dazzling display fired Borussia Dortmund into the Champions League quarter-finals with a 4-0 thrashing of Benfica on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The result saw Dortmund win the round-of-16 tie 4-1 on aggregate after Aubameyang&#39;s early goal cancelled out Borussia&#39;s 1-0 defeat in Lisbon last month.

The Gabon hot-shot has now scored seven times in his last three games and has seven Champions League goals in as many matches this season.

He is on 28 goals for the season as Dortmund reached the last eight in Europe for the first time since 2013/14.

But it fell to US international Pulisic, who only turns 19 in September, to net the Germans&#39; crucial second on 59 minutes, which put Dortmund ahead for the first time on aggregate.

Pulisic, in for injured Germany winger Marco Reus, claimed his first Champions League goal and set up Aubameyang&#39;s opening goal in an impressive all-round display.

After Kostas Mitroglou sealed Benfica&#39;s 1-0 first-leg victory, Dortmund took just four minutes to cancel out the advantage.

Ousmane Dembele&#39;s corner was flicked on by Pulisic to Aubameyang, who headed home at the far post to delight the sell-out Signal Iduna Park crowd.

It was redemption for the Gabon striker, who had a night to forget in the first leg, missing four clear chances including a penalty in Lisbon.

After a strong start from the hosts, Benfica clawed their way back with captain Luisao heading straight at Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki from a free-kick midway through the half.

Dembele showed his youth, needlessly picking up a booking from English referee Martin Atkinson late in the first half for bitterly complaining after conceding a free-kick with a push on Andreas Samaris.

Benfica grew in confidence as the half wore on and Dortmund&#39;s defence wobbled, but it finished 1-0 at the break.

Dortmund had a big let-off soon after when Lukasz Piszczek failed with a clearance, which Franco Cervi snapped up on the edge of the box, but his shot was blocked.

Aubameyang then squandered three golden chances at close range before Pulisic finally got the breakthrough.

The US starlet chipped his shot over the advancing Ederson on 59 minutes after Piszczek&#39;s superb pass into the area.

Aubameyang grabbed his second just two minutes later when he stabbed home Marcel Schmelzer&#39;s pass.

He hit his third goal of the night on 85 minutes when Erik Durm&#39;s run and cross from the right handed him a simple tap-in.

(AFP)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's goals helped his side overcome a 0-1 disadvantage at their home ground

A hat-trick by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic's dazzling display fired Borussia Dortmund into the Champions League quarter-finals with a 4-0 thrashing of Benfica on Wednesday. The result saw Dortmund win the round-of-16 tie 4-1 on aggregate after Aubameyang's early goal cancelled out Borussia's 1-0 defeat in Lisbon last month. The Gabon hot-shot has now scored seven times in his last three games and has seven Champions League goals in as many matches this season. He is on 28 goals for the season as Dortmund reached the last eight in Europe for the first time since 2013/14. But it fell to US international Pulisic, who only turns 19 in September, to net the Germans' crucial second on 59 minutes, which put Dortmund ahead for the first time on aggregate. Pulisic, in for injured Germany winger Marco Reus, claimed his first Champions League goal and set up Aubameyang's opening goal in an impressive all-round display. After Kostas Mitroglou sealed Benfica's 1-0 first-leg victory, Dortmund took just four minutes to cancel out the advantage. Ousmane Dembele's corner was flicked on by Pulisic to Aubameyang, who headed home at the far post to delight the sell-out Signal Iduna Park crowd. It was redemption for the Gabon striker, who had a night to forget in the first leg, missing four clear chances including a penalty in Lisbon. After a strong start from the hosts, Benfica clawed their way back with captain Luisao heading straight at Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki from a free-kick midway through the half. Dembele showed his youth, needlessly picking up a booking from English referee Martin Atkinson late in the first half for bitterly complaining after conceding a free-kick with a push on Andreas Samaris. Benfica grew in confidence as the half wore on and Dortmund's defence wobbled, but it finished 1-0 at the break. Dortmund had a big let-off soon after when Lukasz Piszczek failed with a clearance, which Franco Cervi snapped up on the edge of the box, but his shot was blocked. Aubameyang then squandered three golden chances at close range before Pulisic finally got the breakthrough. The US starlet chipped his shot over the advancing Ederson on 59 minutes after Piszczek's superb pass into the area. Aubameyang grabbed his second just two minutes later when he stabbed home Marcel Schmelzer's pass. He hit his third goal of the night on 85 minutes when Erik Durm's run and cross from the right handed him a simple tap-in. (AFP)

Aubameyang scores hat-trick to help Dortmund flip deficit against Benfica