West Brom 2-2 Arsenal, Two Points Lost At The Hawthorns

A vital equaliser from Van Persie.

Arsenal fought back from two goals down against West Brom to gain a valuable point in the title race. Even though this could be seen as a vital point, in all honesty it is two points dropped due to awful defensive errors especially from Almunia. Aaron Ramsey made his first start of the season alongside Denilson and Wilshere in midfield and Squillaci partnered Koscielny at the back. We conceded one goal from a corner about 3 minutes into the match and then went two goals down shortly after half time. We looked like we were set to lose the game which would have been a huge blow for our title chances. However Arshavin scored a superb goal in the 70th minute and then Van Persie scored a vital equaliser in the 78th minute. Arsenal continued to fight for the equaliser but it wasn't to be and the match finished at 2-2.

 The match began terribly for the Arsenal with West Brom scoring with ease from an early corner. The match was barely in it's third minute as Reid scored an easy header from the middle of the penalty box. It was truly awful marking and defending as he had all the time in the world to score. Ramsey of all people was supposedly marking him but why on earth did Squillaci or Koscielny take control of the situation. Ramsey was never going to beat him in the air, and one of the two centre back's should of dealt with a corner that was straight into the middle of the penalty area. You'd also expect the goalkeeper to try and deal with it but he just stood on his goal line letting the ball fly past him. There isn't one player you can blame for this as it is just poor organisation in general, but I do believe Djourou and Szczesny would of dealt with the corner with relative ease. We continued to dominate possession for the rest of the half but failed to create many chances. Our best chance came from a Van Persie header which hit the bar leaving Ramsey with an easy chance to score but he shot straight at the West Brom keeper. We didn't really create enough chances and  Denilson was especially awful throughout the first half and in all honesty we would of been better with just the 10 men.

What an IDIOT!

 Much to the relief of the Arsenal faithful Denilson didn't appear after half time as Marouane Chamakh had came on in his place, a very attacking move from Wenger but a much needed attacking move. This changed Arsenal's style of play to a traditional 4-4-2 and left Wilshere and Nasri in the two central midfield positions. Ramsey moved out to the right hand side and Chamakh joined Robin Van Persie up front. We looked a better side without Denilson and were creating more chances but then disaster struck in the 58th minute as Odemwingie scored one of the easiest goals of his career. A long ball was launched towards Odemwingie Squillaci had taken control of the situation, but then Manuel Almunia arrived on the scene well outside of his penalty box. He then got in Squillaci's way and Odemwingie had all the goal to aim at and scored easily. This must rank as one of Almunia's worst mistakes and I have no idea what on earth he thought he was doing. He clearly has no common sense and I believe this will be the last costly mistake he makes playing for Arsenal as he should never wear the shirt again. He is a complete liability and hopefully Wenger has finally realised this and Lehmann will take over for the remaining 9 games of the season. The team looked well and truly out of the match at this stage but Andrey Arshavin scored a magical goal to get Arsenal back into the game. He played a one two with Chamakh and scored superbly once he got into the penalty area. Arsenal continued to pile the pressure on the West Brom defence and scored a second not long after. Nicklas Bendtner won a knock down in the box and Van Persie scored his 19th goal in 19 Premier league starts. We continued to fight for the winner but we didn't create another good chance and the match finished at 2-2.

 It is clear we lost two points yesterday and that it is a blow to our title chances. However the team showed fighting spirit to come back from two goals down and to draw the match. I really thought we had lost the game after going two down but was left at the end feeling that we should of clinched the victory. It will prove to be a valuable point and what we have to remember is that the league is still in Arsenal's hands. We have nine games remaining and if we win all nine we will win the Premier League. I don't believe we can win all nine but United will drop points as well and therefore the league is still within Arsenal's grasp. I've forgiven Almunia in the past but yesterday was well and truly the last straw and I hope it is the last straw for Wenger as well who should bring back crazy Jens to win us the title.