If they could somehow win this match – something not completely out of the realm of possibility given Arsenal’s current injury issues and that Tony Pulis’ tactics are something Arsene Wenger’s team has struggled with at times over the years – West Brom might even survive that upcoming stretch without ending it in the relegation zone.
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Five minutes later, Salomon Rondon and James McClean combined and Arteta turned in McClean’s cross from close range.
Arsenal’s French manager, though, was satisfied that the central defender was in the right frame of mind to play.
Arteta and Francis Coquelin limped off to add to Arsenal’s injury woes ahead of their must-win Champions League game with Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday.
Despite a number of injuries, Arsenal will be confident of taking all three points; they have the best away record in the division (15 points from six matches) and have lost just once in nine Premier League trips to the Hawthorns (in 2005).
Brunt lifted in a free-kick from just inside the visitors’ half, and Morrison sneaked in behind Hector Bellerin to volley the equaliser from seven yards.
If they are to get anything from this encounter then they will have to tighten up all over the park and look to nullify the threat of Mesut Ozil, who has made the most assists (10) and chances (54) in Europe this term.
Mikel Arteta came on as Coquelin’s replacement, and thus formed half of the Gunners’ defensive midfield screen along with Santi Cazorla.
Only a superbly-timed by West Brom’s Jonny Evans challenge prevented Ozil from connecting with a Sanchez through pass.
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But Cazorla slipped as he took the resulting penalty, sending the ball looping over the crossbar.
