Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has offered an update on Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta after the pair both picked up injuries during our 2-1 defeat at West Brom.
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In the absence of Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, plus long-term casualties Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck, Arsenal struggled for fluency in the 1-1 home draw with Spurs ahead of the global break and before that in the Premier League enjoyed a 3-0 win at Swansea City that did not reflect a match dominated by the hosts.
The Baggies had just four shots in total, compared to 11 for Arsenal, though eight of the visitors’ efforts – including Santi Cazorla’s penalty – missed the target.
James Morrison equalised and Arteta put the ball in his own net minutes later to hand WBA the lead on a platter.
“It’s such an important win, Arsenal are an exceptional side”, Pulis told BBC Sport.
“We missed a penalty, we gave a goal away on set-piece, that is ideal to make your afternoon a nightmare and we missed open goal chances”.
Wenger was particularly angry that his team gave away their lead so soon after gaining it. “It was a huge goal when we scored and then you just make sure they do not come back with an easy goal”, said Wenger.
The French national anthem was played before every Premier League game to honour the 130 people killed in the Paris attacks, with England’s top division resuming after the global break amid tightened security.
‘We are competitors, ‘ said the Arsenal manager.
‘How much did it affect them I don’t know. I can only speak for myself. It is sad and we are all down but when you are on the pitch you are on the pitch’.
As usual Arsenal was in control of possession early in the match against West Brom. “He’s still not near what he was at the back end of last season. but I think the penny’s dropped”.
“We have to take it on the chin and bounce back in our next game”. I thought Arsenal were very good, particularly second half when they ramped it up.
Arsenal must now concentrate on the Champions League where they are due to play Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
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Their 18th goal in seven games came just before the half-hour mark and, unsurprisingly, it was the mercurial Mesut Ozil who provided another assist.
