Arsenal went to The Hawthorns as favourites against West Bromwich Albion, but suffered a humbling defeat as Santi Cazorla skied a penalty when the score was 2-1, which went on to be the full time score. “That’s ideal to make the afternoon a nightmare”, Wenger said.
Advertisement
In the 67th minute Joel Campbell missed a golden opportunity when he took an open one-time strike from inside the six yard box, but shanked it wide. I believe that West Brom they were strong in the fight and they had one 100 per cent commitment as well and you have to give them credit for that.
“It is a big blow for us”. Maybe we were a bit too sure of ourselves.
Tony Pulis was delighted with West Brom’s win over Arsenal on Saturday, but feels the Gunners remain one of the favourites for the title. After 45 minutes, we were 2-1 down. Our defending on that level was very, very poor.
Two more 1-0 victories followed – at home to Sunderland and away to Norwich City. I don’t know how severe that is.
Crooks feels that the French midfielder is vital for Arsenal and though Mathieu Flamini can be brought into the team, he is not the level of replacement the Gunners need.
Arsenal was already without a slew of players, including Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and immediately looked defensively weaker without Coquelin.
Mesut Ozil was the player of the game for Arsenal, in what was an extremely disappointing game for his team. You expect what you always expect in the Premier League; a committed, physical, fast game and a game where we can not afford to make any mistakes. I think it’s sad. It is sad and we are all down but when you are on the pitch you are on the pitch’.
West Brom emerged winners in the match, despite Arsenal taking the early lead, through a James Morrison volley and a Mikel Arteta own goal.
This was always going to prove another litmus test for Wenger and whether his team are genuinely the real deal this season, after teasing us for so many years.
Arsenal continued to put the pressure on in the final minutes of the match, but ultimately they came up empty.
Advertisement
“The kid realises and understands that – irrespective of what we do as a club – he’s got to be right in himself”.
