Three points at last. Arsenal manage to win a Premier League game for the first time since the home win against Burnley at the start of November. The game saw a return for two Arsenal favourites, Olivier Giroud & Laurent Koscielny, who both started after a period served on the side-lines due to injury.
Arsenal dominated the first half play having eight shots compared to Albion’s zero. Santi Cazorla proved to be Arsenal’s most influential player as he created chances for Welbeck and Ramsey who came close to giving Arsenal a first half lead. Despite controlling the game, Arsenal could not find the target and were almost behind after a goalmouth scrap late in the first half which was eventually cleared. A first half which saw no goals also saw Nacho Monreal limp off with an injury to add to the growing list for Arsenal, and was replaced by Kieran Gibbs.
The second half started better for West Brom as they tried to come out and attack, and were harshly done by as Berahino, who was through on goal, was judged to be offside by the linesman, however the replays showing that Laurent Koscielny had kept the young English striker onside. Both sides continued to attack seeing an Aaron Ramsey shot scuffed over the bar after an improvised chipped through ball from Chambers, while Saido Berahino could only find the side netting with his shot.
Arsenal’s persistence finally paid off as a brilliant piece of skill from Santi Cazorla saw him break through the line of Albion defence and deliver the perfect cross for Danny Welbeck, and his header proved to be too powerful for Ben Foster to keep out in the 61st minute of the game. Arsenal’s failure to wrap up the game with numerous near misses almost proved costly as they survived a wave of late West Brom attacks, their best chance coming from Berahino header which was denied by the crossbar with just ten minutes left. However, Arsenal held out to earn a well-deserved three points on the road in the Premier League.
Player ratings
Emiliano Martinez -6- Again the young goalkeeper did everything asked of him and kept alert to earn his second clean sheet in consecutive games. Although West Brom didn’t have many shots on goal, Martinez collected crosses well and made some routine saves in a much better looking defensive performance.
Calum Chambers -6- Arguably playing out of position on as many see Chambers future position at centre back, Chambers has adapted extremely quickly to Premier League life at Arsenal. He put in another good shift at right back and got forward well to put pressure on the West Brom defence.
Laurent Koscielny - 7- Areturn to the starting line-up for Koscielny was much welcomed by Arsenal fans who have seen Nacho Monreal fill in for the injured Frenchman. He defended strongly, heading and clearing well powerfully in a defence which looks to build on two clean sheets in two games.
Per Mertesacker - 6- Looked better and more comfortable due to the return of centre back partner Koscielny, whom he worked so effectively with last season. Managed to keep Saido Berahino and the rest of the Albion attack quiet as West Brom struggled to break down a tougher Arsenal defence.
Kieran Gibbs - 6- Didn’t start the game but was required to come on when Nacho Monreal suffered an injury halfway through the first half, but managed to adapt to his role at left back as consistency as usual, as well as providing an attacking outlet down the left wing in the second half.
Mathieu Flamini- 7- Gave Arsenal a solid backbone sitting in front of the back four as he provided cover and kept disciplined in his role. Passed the ball well and did a lot of important work of the ball to mark Sessegnon out of the game for large period.
Aaron Ramsey - 6- Still not hitting the immense heights he hit last season and hasn’t managed to score since his goal at Everton, but Ramsey continued to work hard in the midfield pressing the West Brom players. Had a few chances in the game but hit most of his shots off target.
Santi Cazorla - 8- A strong contender for the man of the match award as he proved to be the most dangerous player in an Arsenal shirt. Cazorla proved to provide the cutting edge for Arsenal as a magical piece of quick footwork saw him breeze past the West Brom defence and deliver the cross for Welbeck to score the only goal of the game.
Alexis Sanchez -6- A much quieter game from Alexis today which may be expected as he has been Arsenal’s best player by far recently and looked slightly tired, possibly due to his immense work rate. Still managed to press the West Brom defence but didn’t have many clear cut chances as he wasn’t allowed time on the ball around the box.
Danny Welbeck - 7- Provided the only goal of the game with a powerful header which managed to beat Ben Foster in the Albion goal. Had chances to put Arsenal in front in the first half but was kept out by Foster, also worked very hard and played the full 90 minutes after recovering from a slight injury.
Olivier Giroud - 6- Looked sharp after starting his first game from a three month injury, help the ball up well and gave Arsenal a different dimension in attack. Didn’t have many chances to score and was substituted after 77 minutes. Overall, a good return from Giroud.
Nacho Monreal - NA- Came off with an injury in the 23rd minute and was replaced by Kieran Gibbs.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain - NA- late substitute for Olivier Giroud (77th minute).
The win gives Arsenal a platform in which to build from as they return to the top four ahead of the 3.00pm kick-offs. A consecutive clean sheet will give Wenger confidence as Koscielny returned to help resolve issues in a vulnerable defensive line up. Arsenal will now go in the game on Wednesday at home to Southampton with some confidence in what could be a very tough test for the Gunners against the in-form Saints.
