Crisis. The word that even Le Professor doesn’t quite understand the meaning of; nevertheless, it’s been thrown about more times than our beloved Arsenal have let a lead slip. Are Arsenal really in crisis?

The last time Arsenal took to the field at The Hawthorns, they were flying high having totted up 16 points from seven games. This season is a whole different story.

Jack Wilshere was the hero that day at The Hawthorns, salvaging a point for the Arsenal having fallen behind to a Claudio Yacob header. A solid gritty away performance earned a point. But, it seems that this season, a solid gritty away performance earning a point will just not do.. And, there’s no Jack this time.

A MUST WIN

Arsenal fans are growing in frustration and rightly so. They’re paying the highest ticket prices in the league to watch their team conjure the worst arsenal start to a league season in 32 years. Two league defeats on the bounce including a home defeat to Manchester United (surprise surprise) cannot become three. It simply won’t do. After all the promise during the summer, who would have thought a game at West Brom at the end of November would be so crucial? Crisis it seems..

But why? Meltdown. I fear le Prof is right. The social media meltdown after every Arsenal loss is becoming apparent to the players, transferring on to the pitch and even the players are nervous when we take the lead. Three losses in a row won’t help.

Injuries

Arsenal can do it. They showed it against Dortmund on Wednesday night. A solid performance is all it needs. With Alexis’ ability up front it seems as simple as get the ball to him, let him score, and as for the other 10 players – just defend! Simple huh?! Yet far from it at Arsenal who still don’t seem to have found an answer to injuries.

Szczesny looks almost certain to be out and to be fair, Martinez deserves his chance. A brilliant, mature performance against Dortmund showed he is more than capable. Jack Wilshere’s absence is a big blow but the consistently inconsistent Cazorla looks like he’s finally found his feet (at least for now).

Arteta’s brilliant performances against Man United and Dortmund have only earned him yet more time on the side lines accompanying Ozil, Ospina, Debuchy, Wilshere and Diaby.

On a brighter note, Koscielny looks set to return along with Giroud - a much needed boost for Arsenal. Walcott and Welbeck trained on Friday, whether they will play or be included in the squad remains to be seen.

So, Arsenal have plenty of quality to beat West Brom. Will they? They should. Scrap that. They must.