WBA 1-2 Arsenal: Talking Points From The Hawthorns As A Rosicky Brace Sinks The Baggies

Arsenal sparked some life into their Champions League chase as they moved into fourth spot by beating West Brom 2-1 at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon. Writer ‘Gunner333’ looks over some talking points from the game.

The game was inspired by Tomas Rosicky who got both goals in a match which was full of chances. The Czech midfielder grabbed his first when he headed home Gervinho’s cross midway through the first half. Even though the Gunners were in control of the game, West Brom still threatened Fabianski’s goal with efforts from Chris Brunt  and James Morrison before the break.

Rosicky grabbed another early in the second half after he followed up a well timed volley, which was saved by Ben Foster, with a shot into the bottom left corner of the net. The away side were cruising up until the 70th minute, when Per Mertesacker gave away a penalty and was sent off for a professional foul on Shane Long.

Morrison converted the spot kick but Arsenal held on to earn the three points despite intense pressure from the Baggies. The result now means that Wenger’s men move into the fourth spot. Whether they can stay there for the rest of the season remains to be seen but this was a big win for the Londoners.

Lukas Fabianski started in goal once again with the fatigued Pole Wojciech Szczesny still looking on from the bench. However, with rumours of the Gunner’s signing a new goalkeeper in the summer, all the hard work put in by Fabianksi recently may not save his Arsenal career.

Questions will be asked of Per Mertesacker after this game. The German international has been unable to establish himself in the Premier League since joining Arsenal on deadline day in the summer of 2011. After his display against the Baggies, Arsene will have plenty of thinking to do over whether Mertesacker will be recalled following his ban to partner Laurent Koscielny again or keep faith with Belgian centre-back Thomas Vermaelen, who will fill in next week against Norwich in Per’s absence.

Defensively Arsenal may have had their issues, but in midfield there seems to be no such problems. Some senstional performances were put in by the likes of Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta at the Hawthorns, particularly in the first half. The Spaniard’s were constantly linking up and dominating the midfield.

With this in mind, surely boss Arsene Wenger should be targetting more defensive minded players this summer, rather than spending his money on the likes of a German midfield maestro or a certain striker who plays in Serie A?

Overall Arsenal seem to be back to their best. Aaron Ramsey has stepped up since Jack Wilshere’s been on the sidelines and even the much-criticised Gervinho is finally looking like a genuine Premier league player.

With the end of the season in sight, maybe Arsenal can gather the momentum to even push for third? It would be a sensational achievement if we manage it.

What do you think? How would you rate the Gunner’s efforts against West Brom? Who are taking up the roles of Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott? Who should Wenger bring in this Summer? Get involved in the comments section below.