The Premier League's early kick-off provided drama, a shocking result and a bringing together of two contrasting footballing styles. In the game between West Brom and Arsenal, Arsene Wenger's men continued to embark on their downward spiral as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at the Hawthorns.
Despite the gulf in class between the two teams, it was West Brom who took the lead. Right-back Craig Dawson headed in from a Nacer Chadli corner in the 12th minute. However, the Gunners evened proceedings just three minutes later through an Alexis Sanchez strike in the penalty box. The sides went into the break level at 1-1 apiece.
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Ten minutes after the restart the Gunners found themselves 2-1 down as substitute Robson-Kanu pounced in on a David Ospina mistake. Things would only get worse for the Gunners as on the 75th minute, Craig Dawson would strike again from another corner.
The defeat leaves the Gunners five points behind Liverpool in 4th place. Arsenal have now only won two games in their last seven. On the other hand, West Brom are now 7 points clear in 8th place, with their eyes firmly set on the Europa League places.
Here are the biggest talking points from the game.
#1 Hector Bellerín is in the worst form of his life
As one of the most promising youngsters in world football, many of Europe's top clubs are keeping a close eye on the Spaniard. And clearly, the attention is not doing the 21-year old any favours. Against West Brom, neither did right-back successfully complete one tackle nor did he make an interception. It's hard to defend such statistics especially seeing as West Brom only had a few attacks throughout the game.
On top of this inept defensive display, Bellerin wasn't any better in attack. The youngster misplaced eleven passes in the game, leaving the Gunners vulnerable on numerous occasions. He also failed to successfully connect with any of his three attempted crosses.
With rumours of Barcelona swirling, it only seems a matter of time before the Spaniard's already turned head completely goes off the rails. However, performances like these won't do much for Arsenal's bargaining strategy.
#2 West Brom play with a back six
Despite scoring three goals, West Brom employed very negative tactics. The Baggies are a solid unit that defends in numbers and attack with only a few. Most low-block teams defend in two banks of four with two forwards up front pressing the team in possession. However, against Arsenal, Tony Pulis took that theory one step further.
Against the Gunners, West Brom fully shut up shop whilst out of possession. Pulis instructed his two wingers Nacer Chadli and James McClean to tuck in on either side of the West Brom full-backs. This left the three defensive midfielders Darren Fletcher, Jake Livermore & Chris Brunt with the job of blocking off passing lanes in front of the back six, leaving Salomon Rondon to press on his own. Ultimately the approach paid off as it completely nullified Arsenal's attack and led the Baggies to a comfortable victory.
#3 Petr Cech comes off with a muscle strain
To compound the defeat further for the Gunners, no.1 keeper Petr Cech wobbled off with a muscle strain in the 37th minute. Arsene Wenger confirmed after the game that it was indeed a calf problem that sent the 34-year old to the changing rooms. The 6’5” keeper has been a rock at the back for Arsenal this season, making an average of 2.35 saves per game. The veteran also has an impressive 99% claim success, meaning he has caught almost all of the balls he's aerially come out for this season.
The injury means that Arsenal’s no.2 keeper David Ospina will have to play for the foreseeable future. The Colombian has made nine appearances this season and in those games, he's only kept two clean sheets. To make matters worse, Arsenal's next league game is at home to the free-scoring Manchester City.
#4 West Brom are the set-piece kings
West Brom have scored more goals from set-pieces than any other team in the Premier League this campaign. The Baggies have now bagged 18 goals from set pieces this season. Direct balls into the box are a clear element of Tony Pulis' tactical identity and he thrives on putting clubs under an aerial siege at any opportunity.
Pulisball against a typically unorganised Arsenal defence was always going to create problems. Both of Craig Dawson's goals came from corner kicks and both were set pieces. Everyone knows West Brom are particularly potent from set pieces, but Wenger persisted on using an outdated zonal marking system that allowed opposing runners to dominate the space. As a result, West Brom scored two of their three goals from set pieces.
#5 Alexis Sanchez is Arsenal's only shining light
For the 27th time this season, Alexis Sánchez showed Arsenal fans why he's worth every bit of a new £220,000-a-week contract. In a team where player morale is at an all-time low, the Chilean did his absolute best to get the 3 points. In his 79 minute cameo, Sánchez made 22 passes in the final third, completed 100% of his take-ons and scored the Gunners' only goal.
There's not much more a player can do to carry his team through. Even after sustaining an injury in the first half, Wenger confirmed that Alexis insisted on playing in the second half. That's how much the Chilean wants to win games for the North London club. It’s just a shame that his teammates don’t seem to care as much.
